The female middle class emigration society governesses in Australia : a failed vision?

The Female Middle Class Emigration Society (FMCES) was formed in London at the instigation of Maria Rye in 1862. Its vision was simple: more jobs, better pay and (implicitly) increased marriage prospects awaited middle-class women prepared to emigrate to the colonies. As a vision it was compelling, empowering and attractive. But was it justified? Rye certainly thought so, and she was in good company. Her belief in the virtues of hard work and individual effort found resonance among the British middle and upper classes, which saw a need for increased work opportunities for women. However, there was significant opposition from those who felt that governesses would never be in high demand in the colonies and that false hopes were being encouraged by assisting middle-class women, often indifferently educated, to emigrate.