ROUND THE WORLD TRIP

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2913, 23 July 1925, Page 2

ROUND THE WORLD TRIP

The following is a further instalment of a series of articles to be written by the editor of this paper during his world tour: — The last letter dealt with getting to Suez. We arrived off Suez in the evening but were not allowed ashore. It was very interesting to see the town lit up in the distance with vari-eoloured lights. We were soon surrounded by native boats laden with shawls, carpets, etc, and although the natives were not allowed on the ship some managed it and it was funny to see the Sergeant At Arms and other officers firing them off. They were not handled too gently. Nothing daunted, the natives then dimed up the masts of their boats and started to barter their goods, much to the amusement of

the passengers. Shortly after our arrival the crew were mustered on the deck and underwent a medical examination —a very cursory affair. We then moved on through the canal and passed several steamers. The next morning we were up early and there was plenty to interest us, particularly as we were so close lo the banks. We noticed several places where New Zealand soldiers were camped during the war. The country presents a very barren appearance. At about 11 the next morning we arrived at Port Said and went ashore for a few hours. Before arrival a conjuror came aboard and entertained the passengers on deck with numerous tricks, if was very smelly ashore —the populace is cosmopolitan. We had afternoon tea at a hotel, the bread and tea being very good, but we could not bring ourselves to eat camel’s butter, Coats, camels and donkeys were to be seen everywhere. During our stay the boat was coaled by coolies and was a very interesting sight, but the noise was deafening.. The weather is now very much cooler and warmer clothes are necessary. Early this morning we passed through the Straits of Messena and later on sailed past Stromboli which was in action, sending forth big clouds of steam, etc. The foot of the mountain is inhabited and we could see the people and cultivation. This evening w 9 arrive at Naples and intend to go ashore for a few hours. Yesterday a woman died and was buried at sea.

We arrived at Naples yesterday and spent a wonderful time there. W ; e motored all over the place in the evening and it is impossible to describe tiie beauty of the town, with ihe burning mountain at the back and the lights from the hills do\vn (o the harbour. The panoramic view obtained from the mountain is indescribable and reckoned to be one of the iinest sights to be seen. A week from to-day we are expected to arrive in England and the lirst half of the journey will then be completed.