STRAY LEAVES PROM MY DIARY.

Southland Times, Issue 925, 30 March 1868, Page 3

STRAY LEAVES PROM MY DIARY.

. Bx &x Emi&baitt tboh the Clyde to the BLxner, ik 1864. THE INSPECTION. HL We are still (May 21st) riding at anchor in G-ourock Bay, and the weather, as yesterday, wet and uncomfortable. To most of the passengers the scene on the Clyde and the romantic beauties of its shores, were altogether new. They accordingly passed the greater part of their time on deck, admiring and cheering with stentorian lungs the innumerable steamboats as they sailed past the ship, laden with their motley crowds of seekers after business or pleasure. About noon, the rain ceased, the sun burst forth from behind his screen of clouds, and a small steamer with a party of gentlemen came alongside. These proved to be the Emigration Agents, the Government Inspector, the medical officer, the owners of the vessel, and a few of their friends. The passengers on deck forthwith hurried below, and in a few minutes, every box, and plate, and water-can, were in their proper places, and ranged in such order and condition, that even Her Majesty Queen Victoria herself, would have noticed the excellent arrangement of every article, and the airy and admirarable accommodation of the steerage compartments with a gracious smile of approval and commendation. Everything from the passengers down to the tiniest mug wore a holiday aspect, and well prepared to undergo the ordeal of a review. The first part of the programme was the issuing of a ukase by which it was announced that Her Majesty's representatives had declared that all the passengera should resort without delay to the poop, and remain [there until it should be the pleasure of their " Mighty Seignors" to allow them to descend. When all had assembled they wore very much the appearance of a flock of sheep cooped up in a pen, each waiting its turn to be shorn of its fleece. The places below the hatches being now unoccupied the inspecting party walked thither in procession and performed the second part of the programme of the day viz., to promenade from Eore to Aft and from Aft to Fore of the steerage, to bestow a certain number of nods of approbation, and to issue therefrom much in the same order as they had entered it. They then took itp a position on the cabin deck near to the poop ladder, and held a parliamentary leeve, at which all the ladies and gentlemen on the poop with all the little misses and masters attended and presented their credentials on having the high honour of being selected as passengers to New Zealand. The programme having been brought to a close, the emigrants were kindly permitted to reoccupy their berths in q., .. :,-—•- i, r i~^ and to regale themselves in honour of the occas.on, with choice specimens of tiie > mums vi Hie snip, washed down with a mug of Loch Katrine water, and Hie gentlemen re* tired to the cabin where they dined together, the repast being comprised of viands and wines of the most recherche description. Having spent the afternoon in the most agreeable and harmonious manner, the party took leave of the ship, and the steamer with her valuable and honorable freight, sailed away amid the cheers of the crew and the passengers on deck. This inspection reminds me very much of a remark of