In 1831, the other New World in Canada received 58,000 emigrants from Britain and in 1832, this figure had risen to 66,000. However, it was to take another twenty years before departures for New South Wales had reached this level. Cabin passengers fared well enough, having the benefits of roast mutton and claret; the steerage passengers - for about one fifth of the price - usually received far less and suffered and sometimes died from cholera and dysentry. Even as late as 1854, The Times likened the conditions on board to a `noisome dungeon, airless and lightless where the festering mass of squalid humanity was imprisoned'.

I see the hills, the valleys and the slopes,
But they do not lighten my sorrow.
I see the bands departing on the white-sailed ships.
I see the Gael rising from his door.
I see the people going, and there is no love for them in the North.