England to Durban 1890

[Geordie daughter]

Hi Milliepede
I don't think sense always comes into the question of emigration. My paternal great-grandfather, a 20-year-old insurance clerk back in the UK, up and sailed to Durban in late 1902, giving his occupation as carpenter! We have absolutely no idea why he left England in the first place or what prompted him to say he was a carpenter. All I can think is that he had itchy feet...

[ecksdochter]

Hello Millipede,
     I found 'Class Granted' stamped on the Passenger List of a relative emigrating to Australia in the early 1900s. I think it might be something to do with Assisted Passage Schemes. Australia, New Zealand, Canada & South Africa all had Assisted Passage Schemes to encourage people to emigrate.
     Like railway travel, ship passengers travelled either 1st, 2nd or 3rd Class. In the 1800s, poor immigrants would travel steerage, which was like a dormitory with bunks down the sides. No privacy and certainly not invited to dine with the Captain!
               Regards,     Dod.