three years studying theology and coming first in his year, John completed his degree.
James and his wife Sarah were very proud of their only son, so they arranged a celebration in the church hall, inviting parishioners and a few of John’s friends from the village.
August 6, 1856
Sixty villagers attended the graduation party and John, although not keen to be there, greeted everybody with believable enthusiasm.
The time came for his father to address the group. ‘Welcome friends! As you all know, we are gathered here tonight to help my son John celebrate his graduation. Our family has a long history at St Mary’s. Some of you would remember my father who was the minister at this church for over forty years. The Davies family has worshipped at St Mary’s since the fifteenth century. It is our hope that John will become minister here in the future and carry on the Davies family tradition. May I ask you all to raise your glasses and drink to his future.’
Everyone in the hall raised their glass saluting the graduate and wished him well.
The next morning, John requested a meeting with his father in the rectory’s office.
‘Father I know you have high hopes that I will succeed you as minister of St Mary’s in the near future. However, I have decided not to be ordained… or at least not yet.’
‘I don’t understand, John.’
‘I’m still young, sir. I want to experience life before committing to the ministry.’
‘So, what are your intentions?’
‘I’m going to go to Australia, sir.’
‘Australia! That’s half a world away! Why Australia?’
‘I believe I can make my fortune there.’
‘So, money is more important than God.’
‘No, not at all, I still intend to return to England and become a minister at this church. I’m just not ready for it at the moment.’
‘Do you have enough savings to travel there and live until you find gainful employment?’
‘Yes, I have saved a reasonable amount.’
‘When do you intend to sail?’
‘September 1. I’ve already purchased the ticket.’
James frowned. ‘That’s only a few weeks away. You haven’t given us much notice.’
‘I’m sorry, Father. I did think this over.’
‘You can announce your intentions to your mother at dinner tonight.’
‘Yes, sir.’
John waited until the evening meal had been consumed before raising the subject of his departure to his mother. She was also stunned by the news, and even after her son explained his reasons she was no more accepting of his plan. Nevertheless, James and Sarah knew they had no alternative but to accept that their son would be living in Australia for who knows how long before returning to England and the church.
John had saved £2000 from his poker playing over the previous three years and he felt comfortable arriving in Australia with sufficient funds.
We are Sailing to the Antipodes
Chapter 4
September 1, 1856
A beautiful carriage pulled by two jet-black horses arrived at Liverpool wharf. Inside were Lord and Lady Abernethy, their two sons, Mathew and Joseph, and daughter Rosie. The family had come to say farewell to Mathew who would be sailing on the SS Great Britain to Australia and a new life.
The family alighted from the carriage and the two grooms unbuckled the sea trunk from the back of the carriage and carried it to where the luggage would be loaded.
‘Well, son, it’s time to say farewell and safe passage. I have two things to give you as a parting gift.’
Lord Abernethy passed Mathew a beautiful oak box, in which lay two Hollis & Sheath pistols.
‘I hope you have no need for them but better be safe.’ He then handed over an envelope containing a bank draft for £25,000 from the Glyn Mills Bank London to be redeemed at the Union Bank of Australia.
A Glyn Mills director also sat on the board of the Union Bank. Therefore, the two banks had a strong business relationship.
Finally, Lord Abernethy gave his son another envelope, in which was £2000 cash. ‘This is for spending on your journey and when you first arrive in Melbourne.’
‘Thank you, Father, I won’t disappoint you and Mother, I promise.’
‘I know you won’t Mathew. Godspeed.’
The two men shook hands. Mathew then kissed his mother and sister and shook hands with his brother. He strode up the gangplank to begin his adventure.
Another carriage arrived just as Lord and Lady Abernethy’s carriage departed the dock. In it was George Griffith together with his parents and sister Jane. George’s father had handed his son a bank draft for £5,000 before they left their estate that morning, and he intended to redeem it with the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank in Melbourne. The young man had savings of £1,500, which he carried in a wallet on his person.
‘Make the most of this opportunity, George. Go and make your fortune,’ said his father. George boarded the ship with great trepidation.
John Davies was already on board the ship and he watched as George and Mathew bade farewell to their families.
John had made his farewells in Kings Walden before he boarded a coach to transport him to Liverpool; a journey that took ten hours. He was interested in meeting these two strangers, as they appeared to be about his age. He had hoped he might meet new friends on the long and arduous journey to help make the trip more tolerable.
John was shown to his cabin upon embarkation. It was small, but at least he didn’t have to share like those poor blighters in second and third class.
He left the main deck once the ship had made its way out into open water and retired to his cabin. He unpacked his sea chest, placing his clothes in a chest of drawers. There was a small wardrobe where he could hang a few pieces of clothing, including his woollen overcoat.
At 7 pm John entered the ship’s saloon, looking forward to a whisky before dinner. He was delighted to see one of the men he observed on the dock sitting at the bar. He approached the man, introducing himself and asking whether he could join him.
