Timandra Street

In Greek mythology, Timandra was a daughter of Leda (who in the story was famously seduced by Zeus in the shape of a swan) and Tyndareus, and so she was a sister to Helen of Troy and to Clytemnestra, as well as to the twins Castor and Pollux. However, Timandra St is named for one of the ships that brought the first Pākehā settlers to New Plymouth.

Timandra was chartered by the New Zealand Company, and arrived at New Plymouth on 23 February 1842, bringing 212 passengers. The ship's voyage to New Plymouth was well documented by Josiah Flight. His account offers valuable insights into life on board. There was some conflict between the cabin passengers and the emigrants. "Divine service at half-past 10 am. Many of the emigrants, offended at not being allowed use of the Poop deck, would not attend."

Several children died on the voyage, and when Mary Anne Norman died, her husband refused to let the ship's doctor perform an autopsy. The passengers backed him up: "The emigrants then came aft in a body and in a violent manner stated their determination to prevent its being done." Mrs Norman was committed to the sea without autopsy. Curiously, the useful reference book White Wings claims that "this fine ship had a pleasant voyage out" and "was a happy craft".

Among Timandra's cargo was a small flock of sheep from Dorset. Those that survived the voyage succumbed to local dogs or fell into kumara pits after their arrival.

Esau Marsh was the last surviving passenger of the Timandra. He married his wife in 1866, and together they had 17 children. Esau died in May 1929.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.