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Story: The voyage out

English soil

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English soil

Leaving their native land was difficult for many emigrants, even when they faced their new life with hope and excitement. The most common mementos they brought with them were pictures of family and friends. This small packet of English soil was brought to New Zealand in 1877 by Arthur Swarbrick and his younger brother, Harry. It carries the Latin inscription ‘dulce domum’ (sweet home).

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Swarbrick family

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, The voyage out – Departure to landing, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/2587/english-soil (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 4 March 2009.

Comments

saw
17 November 2011
people coming from overseas had to undergo so many challenges