I think the story in "Voyages of Hope: The Saga of the Bride-Ships" by Peter Johnson about Clara Maria Duren is a mishmash of misinformation, shipboard gossip, crossed-stories and poetic licence. To begin with, I can find no records for a Clara Duren (or alternate spellings) anywhere in BC. In fact I can find no records for anyone with that surname in the BC Archives or directories.
On the passenger list for the Tynemouth there is no Clara Maria Duren but an S Maria Duren. And that is from a transcription - without seeing the original there is no way of knowing if that is really what was written. I can find no records back in England that might be her.
The book talks about this Clara/Maria and the doctor "exchanging glances" and the next thing you know has them having an affair or marrying. The writer also suggests that Dr Chipp made a few trips to Victoria and assumes it was to meet up with Clara/Maria. He made trips to Victoria to buy supplies and check out and learn new innovations in medicine and dentistry.
Finally, the book has an entry that reads: "In 1894 his beloved wife died in England. The formal announcement read simply:
Clara Maria, wife of John Chipp MD, of Nicola, and mother of Mrs. W. Dewdney of Vernon, deeply mourned."
To begin with, John Chipp had died in 1893 so was not around in 1894. His wife (see below), Clara Maria Harding Chipp died in 1889 in Woolich, London. That Clara was also the mother of Mrs W (Clara) Chipp Dewdney, not Maria whomever. Further, Clara Chipp Dewdney was born in England not BC.
There are also no records of a marriage for John Chipp or any children born to him in BC. In the 1881 census he is living alone.
Meanwhile, back in England, he has a wife and six children. His wife was Clara Maria Harding, born 5 September 1829 in Ludlow, Shropshire to James and Eliza Harding.
John Chipp and Clara Harding were married 26 October 1852 in Ludlow, Shropshire. John Chipp's father's name was Samuel.
Clara Chipp moved from London back to Ludlow after John left and can be found in the 1871 and 1881 censuses (see attached). She is listed as a Physician's wife.
I'll see what else I can find.
Cheers,
Soosi