Kororareka (Russell) in the 1830 - 40's, well known for its drunkenness, depravity, lawlessness and dubbed 'Gomorrah, the scourge of the Pacific. With as many as 40 whaling ships anchored off for a three week period, prostitution was a thriving industry. An opportunistic maid would avail herself on board (known as 'the three week marriage') to gain such items as blankets, gowns, guns etc. and quite probably a nasty rash.
