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New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 761, 30 July 1853, Page 3

Recollections of a Visit to Europe, in 180 I and 1 852. By a Traveller irom New Zealand, Bvo., pp. ii. 99. Auckland ; Williamson and Wilson. We cannot introduce this handsome and interesting pamphlet to the reader’s notice better than by extracting the prefatory remarks of the An hor himself: u The idea of giving the public a sketch of (he most interesting objects that a visitor to Europe can see within a limited time, was first suggested by personal friends of the writer, who trusts that Ibis brief account (resulting from his own observations) may prove useful to young persons in Ibis colony, as well as to those who have not read abler and fuller descriptions of the various countries to which ho travelled.

“Induced, also, by (lie consideration (hat, in this already populous and rapidly increasing Settlement, numbers of working men, and strangers—severed from I lie beneficial restraints (hat Hie presence of relatives and (lie influence which home affections have upon (lie mind—arc almost entirely without other places of resort or amusement than such as taverns and lap-rooms afford, he ventures to hope that this little book may he the means of commencing a fund for the purpose of establishing an livening Heading Hoorn and Library, which would lend to withdraw them from temptation to degrading indulgencics. and provide them with elevating and satisfactory relaxation. “ Fully sensible, however, (hat any good effects anticipated from this scheme can only be accomplished by (he active interest which intelligent members of the working classes may lie willing to lake in it, the writer uses this opportunity of calling their attention to the subject, and at the same lime earnestly solicits the cooperation and support of all who are of opinion that the welfare of our felknv-coloni.'ds may he promoted by making provision for their information and rational amusement.” The tour of which “recollections” are here presented, extended to England, Scotland. and Wales; France; Switzerland; Italy ; Sicily ; Malta; Greece; and Turkey; the"leading features of which- -geographical, arlislical, social, political, moral, and religions—are sketched with a necessarily rapid but a judicious and honest hand. Onr Traveller evidently made the most of his limited lime, and had introductions and facilities which enabled him to see more both of places and peoples than others might have accomplished in visits of much longer duration. The results of his observations arc here told succinctly, but in intelligible and flowing language; and, although the scenes and society which he describes have been the subjects of many voluminous works, yet, to those who have not access to larger and more expensive books, this publication will communicate a considerable amount of information such as no person having any pretensions to education should be unacquainted with, while even to those who have read such volumes, it may be acceptable as a remembrancer, reviving, in a pleasing form the general knowledge they bad previously acquired. Besides, there is a more than ordinary interest connected with notes of travel by a tourist from onr own colony and onr own immediate locality, and one with whom many of onr readers arc personally acquainted. This feeling will be maintained by repeated references throughout the pages to comparisons or contrasts between New Zealand and the countries visited by him. Were the intrinsic merits of 'he publication less than they are, however, still, criticism would be disarmed by the announcement of the object to which any profits that may arise from its sale will be devoted. Of the excellence of that object, assuming it to be practicable in ilsdf, and’ well carried out .in its details of establishment and management—there can, we presume, be no second opinion. Whether the end be realized or not, the benevolent and

enlightened aim of the Author insist he generally and highly appreciated. We should bo happy, therefore, to learn that the pamphlet obtained a wide circulation, both on account of the interest attaching to its own matter, and on account of the public utility of the purpose to which its success (financially speaking) would be rendered subservient.