AN IMMIGRANT'S LETTER HOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 226, 7 September 1875, Page 2

AN IMMIGRANT'S LETTER HOME

The following is a copy of a letter which has been sent home to her friends by a young girl, and which gives a very good idea of the advantages young women have here compared to England: — "Dsar Mart,— We are a great way from each other, but I often think of you and our other companions who are still with you. Accordiog to my promise, I no iv commence a second letter to you from my new home. I gave you the news of our voyage before, and told you what life we had whilst passing over the sea. We looked a loog time for this New Plymouth before we reached if. I cannot write you all I desire to do. You know I pressed on yon to come with us, but I suppose you did not like to leave William. I ventured, and we arrived here safely, and have found the place a pleasant one, and the people are very friendly. I have do fear about the Blacks, as we used to call them; but they are not black, but brown. They come into the town with bullock-drays loaded with firewood, which they sell to the settlers for eight or ten shillings per load; besides that, some of them bring live pigs, turkeys, potatoes, Indian corn or maize as it is called, and flax baskets, or «• kits." These. lam told, are prin/ cipally made by the women. A gpod number of them — both men and wjftnen — go and spend the money at the public houses, and get so drunk that they are put into the carts and He together in the {bottomsfthe bullocks taking them home sometimes. " I have had two places since I arrived here. The one I have now is a very good one, and not much to do. I have a good portion of tbe afternoon for myself. Servants get from six shillings to seven shillings per week. This enables ua purchase better clothes than we used to wear at home. It is no uncommon thing for the servant lo dress finer than her mistress. / "I cannot write you much more, bat I must tell you one thing — that I want you to see Jack and tell him that it is all over with ub now, as he would cot come wilh us. I have gos a good chap here, and he wants me to give my mistress notice to leave, and if I will, he will marry me, and his father is willing it may taka place. Tell Sarah she had better come here. She would not be long without an offer. You know how to direct to me. Lsfc me know how you are getting on, and it it be not «oo far come out, and then we shall be company for each other." (.For continuation of News see Jourth page.)