Dr Richard Moore was Mayor of Salisbury. He and many other Englishmen had been seriously disturbed by the growing influence of the Oxford Movement, (?) so much so that he resolved to emigrate to New Zealand.
Richard Moore, his wife, one son (Thomas, Alice's father) and five daughters, and their governess, Miss Liberty, set sail in August 1851 from Plymouth in the 630 ton vessel Sir James Pollock under Captain Withers and arrived 116 days later in Lyttelton, port for Christchurch, New Zealand. He was the Ship's doctor. Among the passengers was Felix Wakefield.
It seems that the situation upon arrival in NZ led to second thoughts for Richard Moore, for he soon decided to return to England with his son to put him into school. They sailed in the William Hyde for Sydney via wellington where they paid their respects to Sir George Grey, and thence to Hokianga where the vessel was damaged on the bar. So, too, was their will to continue the voyage, and they returned to Lyttelton.
Richard bought land at Charteris Bay, built a house and lived there from 1852 - 1858. Bought first cattle on Banks Peninsula, stud milking shorthorns. Sold in 1858 and moved to Christrchurh, practised as a doctor.
Betty, married Robert Ensor, then married Ian Anderson, no children. First female mountain guide in the world, having guided from The Hermitage at Mt Cook, NZ, when she was only 18 years old.
Betty, married Robert Ensor, then married Ian Anderson, no children. First female mountain guide in the world, having guided from The Hermitage at Mt Cook, NZ, when she was only 18 years old.