First Impressions.

The first thing that strikes the "new chum," as he is colonially called, from England, is the absence of apparent poverty, especially as displayed in our seaports by the crowds of ragged children touting for odd jobs or selling articles in the streets. A general air of prosperity, and a brisk business activity pervades page 23 both the seaports and the capitals—Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. He cannot fail, moreover, even if he arrives in winter, to be favourably impressed with the climate and the scenery; and as he becomes better acquainted with the country and its inhabitants, he is astonished at the great extent and variety of its resources, productions, and industries, and at the enterprising spirit of the people.