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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 44

A Few Plain Instructions for Intending Emigrants

A Few Plain Instructions for Intending Emigrants.

1. Carefully pack up in strong boxes what you intend to take. In one box, not more than 12 inches high, by, say, 30 inches long, with a good lock on it, put a supply of linen, &c., for the voyage. Have your name and destination painted on each box, with "Not wanted on the voyage," written on all but your cabin-box.

2. Do not overburden yourself with luggage. An infinite amount of bother is saved by having as little as possible. Have everything pretty well arranged before you come to London, so that on arriving there you have only to take a cab; or if you have much luggage get the railway-porter to put you in the way of some van proprietor, and go straight away to the dock where your vessel lies.

3. As regards outfit you cannot do better than go to a leading page 56 house, such as Messrs. Silver & Co., Cornhill, London, and secure the benefit of their wide experience as to what is best for the part to which you are going. The thing to avoid is wasting your means on unnecessary articles. Really good clothing and tools are almost equal to gold in value to the emigrant, but expensive guns, revolvers, and such like are best left behind.

4. If you go by steamer, unless a direct line of steamers should be put on to New Zealand, you cannot do better than secure a passage by the Orient line, whose head office is at 112, Fenchurch Street, London (Messrs. F. Green & Co.). You can book for any New Zealand port, exchanging steamers at Melbourne. The fares to Melbourne are from fifteen to twenty guineas for steerage; thirty-five guineas for second saloon—a very good accommodation indeed—and seventy guineas for first saloon. The extra charge from Melbourne to New Zealand is five guineas steerage, and ten guineas saloon. There is no second class. It is advisable to secure a saloon ticket. There are also steamers by which passages can be secured to New Zealand ports despatched by Mr. J. H. Flint, 112, Fenchurch Street, London, and one or two other firms.

5. If you go by a sailing vessel it will probably be one of Shaw, Savill, &c Co.'s, 34, Leadenhall Street, London, or the New Zealand Shipping Co., 84, Bishopsgate Street Within, London. The special ships referred to on the outer sheet belong to these firms. The £25 fare is exceptionally reasonable, and from the fact of there being but one class on board much comfort may be confidently anticipated. Sailing ships are also despatched from Glasgow to Otago by Messrs. Henderson &c Co.

6. Contrary to general advice, I do not recommend the taking of a quantity of luxuries to vary the ship's dietary. It is waste of money. More good, wholesome food is found on board than you can take, and the fewer dainties the better it is for the stomach.

7. Avoid all spirituous liquors. None suffer from sea-sickness so much as those who are always dosing themselves with brandy. Have done with strong drinks from the hour you leave the docks, and the probability is that you will have a most enjoyable voyage, and be welcomed by prosperity at your journey's end.

8. Do not take your money with you, but go to the Bank of New Zealand, 1, Queen Victoria Street, Mansion House, London, and get a draft on one of their branch banks in New Zealand. This will cost you nothing, and save much anxiety. You have only to present your draft at the New Zealand office, and the money is at once handed over to you. A small amount will suffice to cover the necessary outlay on the voyage.

9. Cultivate a cheerful, hopeful disposition on the voyage. There is rarely any real danger, and there is no alleviation of the inseparable inconveniences comparable with a patient endurance of them.

Wyman And Sons, Printers, Great Queen Street, London, W.C.