Why emigrate in 1877 or 1878? (General)

by ianjmill, Sunday, April 01, 2018, 00:18 (2210 days ago) @ ianjmill

Thank you for the replies. My ancestors (Cloudleys) migrated to New Zealand. The eldest son migrated first in 1877 and his parents and siblings left a year later. They were colliers, sawyers and wood turners from the Mitcheldean area. It appears that the Cloudley name in the Mitcheldean area died out around 1957. They migrated to Christchurch in New Zealand and were successful publicans and hotel owners. Your answers help me understand why they would take the long journey to New Zealand. Ian