MIDDLE-CLASS IMMIGRANTS TO AUCKLAND.

Kumara Times, Issue 1030, 20 January 1880, Page 2

MIDDLE-CLASS IMMIGRANTS TO AUCKLAND.

The Home News of November 6th says that the Maraval, belonging to the New Zealand Shipping Company, left Gravesend on October 30th, with a large number of middle-class emigrants) for Auckland, New Zealand. Among the company was a party of farmers and tradesmen, numbering 82, under the care of Mr John Press, of the Temperance Hotel, Burnham, Somerset. By a special arrangement with the company Mr Press will act as steward for his party during the voyage, and a compartment has been fitted up for their exclusive use. The aim has been to ensure a maximum of comfort at a minimum cost. The company are in communication with Mr White of Laceby, with a view to make similar arrangements for another. party in December, and it is expected that next year a considerable exodus of Lincolnshire farmers will take place New Zealandwards. Burnham, as many residents will know, is in the centre of the best agricultural district in the West of England, and one wherein the tenant farmers have held their leases generation and generation, son succeeding father, with no desire for change, and with an old-fashioned west country contempt for “ furrin pearls.” The disastrous change of agricultural affairs has evidently at last impelled them to shake off prejudices and join in the onward march of progression. These Somersetshire men and their offspring will make sturdy colonists, for they come of a good stock.