Browsing the other day in an old library, the writer came across a New Zealand Year Book of the ‘eighties, and certainly it brought out in striking contrast the condition of those far off days with the present. The shipping arrangements were of especial interest, comparing the liners that now enter the port of Auckland.

The “Chief Cabin” passengers were informed that they must fit up their own cabins, while the “Second and Other” passengers have their berths built for them, but require to find their own bedding and any little extra things they may think they require. They must also provide knives, forks, etc., and saucepans, cups, mugs, 41b. of marine soap—(a hook teapot to hang on the bars of the stove was regarded as very handy)—cannisters to hold a week's small stores and half a week's rations. Note: The ship provides a steward for second cabin passengers. Then for cooking purposes, there was a public stove on deck for the above classes, and passengers could, if they so desired, prepare their own favourite dishes.

The instructions for embarkation were many and varied. “Cabin” passengers were informed that they may get on board at Gravesend, by small boats, for about one shilling each, the “other” passengers were advised to board at the docks. “We,” goes on the instructions, “would caution them, too, when in London, to be on their guard against any strangers who may kindly offer to assist them in any little matter; for sometimes there are even decent looking men prowling round the docks and dock streets whose room is better than their company.”

A good deal of space is devoted to the outfit needed for New Zealand.

And in another part it says: “A want of means to reach this El Dorado is a much more serious matter, but a steerage passage for the better classes of society is a wholesome preparation for colonial life; it is eminently destructive of self-conceit, generates self-denial and consideration for others, makes men and women less selfish, because more mutually dependent, and is a fine preparatory lesson for life in the colonies.”