ROUND THE WORLD TRIP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2880, 7 May 1925, Page 3

ROUND THE WORLD TRIP.

The following 1 is the first instalment of a series of articles to he written by Mr. ;.T. K. Hornblow, Editor of this journal, during his world's tour: — A trip round the world is the dream of our youth. Most New Zealanders are fired with the spirit „ of adventure which caused our parents to face the stormy seas and carve out homes in dstant lands. As we grow older the dream of our youth from one cause or another, is denied the majority. One. need not digress on the means of travel now as compared with fifty or sixty years ago. Fast steamers possessing every comfort, daily communication with all parts of the world by wireless, keep us in touch with all quarters. We left Wellington by the “Ulimaroa.” at 10 p.m. on April 2nd for Sydney—a. full ship. Some farewell scenes were verv pathetic. "We listened to the hymns “A Charge to keep" and “God be With You,” from a compan ashore with mingled feelings. Next morning we were

well to the west of “God’s own

Country.” the ship battling against a bead wind and three-quarter sea. The majority of those aboard were down with male de mor—so were

we. Anyhow, on the second day we walked the promenade deck —seedy of course—lmt the keen bracing air was preferable to the cabin. We happened across several New Zealand friends and foregathered. Got in touch with the wireless operator and spent an interesting time in his sanctum, away up on the boat-deck, a very interesting young fellow with war experience as an operator. Each day the clocks were put hack and by the time we reached Sydney we were an hour and forty minutes behind New Zealand time. The entrance into Sydney harbour, in glorious sunshine, or Monday afternoon was a sight that tilled us with wonder and admiration. Steamers, ferry boats and other crafts from all parts of the world could he seen. Thousands of redroofed houses on either side of the harbour and huge buildings in every direction. All the bays are thickly populated. At 2 p.m. we were alongside the wharf. We had wirelessed for accommodation hut all the Hotels were hooked up for the Easter holidays with hundreds on tlie waiting list. It was a great hustle to get through the customs. Our clearance however was effected in quick time and our baggage passed without examination. Under the guidance of our friend we did Sydney by night. The crowds, voices and traffic were bewildering. By the way, we had to discard warm clothing as the weather was much warmer than in New Zealand. The women were very thinly clad —above arms—such arms too, regular shoulders of mutton —some of them- —and very short skirls. The faces of the young women were all wonderfully made up. 1 don’t tliink 1 noticed a face or neck, to say nothing of the “ruby" lips, that were not liberally treated with colouring and what-not. It is quite a common sight to see young- women in trams or ferries dapping their faces before small hand mirrors. Face make-ups are general and the beauty palonrs do a roaring trade. The shops are wonderful. But don’t be misled into the belief that clothing or imported boots are cheaper in' Sydney than in New Zealand. They are not, although i lie styles are more varied. As for food, the prices are exorbitant as compared with New Zealand. A three-course meal runs into 5/or 7/0 as against 2/- and 2/6 in New Zaland for its equal. Half-a-crown for a flounder, cup of tea and bread and butter —pint jug of fruit juice 2/0, and so on. Fruit is fairly cheap, luscious grapes 4d per lb. In many shops i noticed butter, iirst grade 1/0 lb. Tram fares are very reasonable. One can travel all over the city for 1/-. The ferry services are just as reasonable.

The watering places, Manly, Bondi, Coogee etc., are very interesting and thousands are to be seen in the surf or taking sun baths. Botony Bay, is a very historic spot, tiie landing place of Captain Cook. The locality is known as La iJeruuse. Here is located a native compound and Anglican Mission Station. 1 wanted a photograph of a true type of aboriginal and of tho liuLs, where f noticed a real good type of face..at the door —in fact there were two females. Upon my approach they withdrew inside and covered their laces. .“Will you let me take your photographs /” 1 asked, and a voice from the covered face replied "iso.” 1 pleaded that 1 had come from a distant land. “Where from/” came the answer. ".New Zealand," 1 replied. “We’ll,” came the answer in fairly good English, “You got plenty black people there.” “Yes, but not your type.” “Hive us two bob each.” “I’ll give you two shillings if you come outside.” “Alright I’ll stand out there for four hours for that l” So 1 got the two of them out and snapped them. 1 was then invited into the smelly hut and the spokeswoman became very communicative. 1 noticed they had no idea of numbers. “How old are you/” 1 queried. “About 80,” she replied. But 1 should say she would not be over forty. The other and inueh older and blacker dame said she was fifty. “1 had eight children and they all pinched, —the boy pinch the girl, and the girl pinch the hoy! All alone now. But I -like you, and you seud me photo. 1 got the same God as vou and if you cut my hand, the same blood.” In taking farewell of the couple they (Concluded on page 1.),