Unfortunately we haven't discovered anything definitive from our trip to the archives, although it was an interesting exercise.
Of our shortlist:
John Bremner (25) came on the Ellen Stuart in Sept 1857, with an Ann (24). Could have been his sister - both described as "farmers" but nationality as English. But our John married Julia Coote in Ballarat in 1856.
The listing for just "Bremner" on the Wanata in Oct 1852 was the very last entry on the ship's register in a sort of miscellaneous section and the only information with it was the word "child". There were no other passengers with the name Bremner. (A baby born on the voyage?)
John Bremer on the William Wallace from New Zealand in October 1852 was a German seaman
To my mind the closest match is John Bremner on the Strathedan May 1853 (Age 19, occupation- groom, nationality- English, but has the notation "Left ship at Portsmouth". I was wondering what a person from the Isle of Man would have been listed under given that the choice was England, Scotland, Ireland or Other. Could he have been called English? But if he left the ship at Portsmouth, when and how did he come to Australia? The mystery remains unsolved? Suggestions would be gratefully received.
Mary and Keith.