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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18650630.2.49
The Lancashire Witch arrived at Auckland on June 2, 1865, from London, with the largest number of passengers that had ever arrived at Auckland in one vessel, viz., 490. She left Start Point on February 13, and crossed the Equator on March 6, 22 days out, in longitude 28.30 west. The meridian of Greenwich was reached on April 24, 64 days out, thus taking 42 days to run from the Equator to that point. The reason of this long passage was that no southern trades were met with, and after reaching latitude 20 degrees she had a series of south-east gales. The easting was run down between 45 and 46 degrees. Tasmania was sighted on May 21, and the North Cape on June 1. A volunteer brigade was organised during the voyage, and the members were regularly drilled by Sergeant-Major Roberts. Dr. Wills, father of the famous Australian explorer, came out as surgeon of the ship, and the passengers presented him with a testimonial in acknowledgment of his services. Twelve children died during the voyage, and there were five births. All the passengers were selected and sent out by Captain Daldy, of Auckland.