After luncheon we embarked—our party consisting of Lady Gordon, Jack and Nevil, Mrs Abbey and the Portuguese nurse, Mr Maudslay, and myself. The cabin was such an uncomfortable little hole that only the children were condemned to sleep there, while we preferred remaining on deck, notwithstanding some rain-squalls. We reached Khandavu on Christmas morning, and found a very fine large American steamer, the City of Sydney, waiting for the arrival of the mail from San Francisco, which was to give her the New Zealand passengers, and go on to Australia. Our little steamer did seem like a pigmy as we ran alongside of the great mail-steamer, with her clear deck, allowing an unbroken walk of about 300 feet. We went on board at once, and the jovial old half-caste stewardess told us that on the last trip they carried 250 cabin passengers, besides an immense menagerie. We somewhat dreaded the probability of so huge an influx, and anxiously awaited the arrival of the San Francisco mail. She came, and a few moments later up went the yellow flag. Dr Mayo had found a case of suspected small-pox, so of course quarantined her at once. After the frightful scourge of measles, brought on by allowing one infected Fijian to land, you can quite understand that quarantine regulations are strict. Great was the excitement and discussion. The Australia wanted to give us all the New Zealand passengers, but our captain happily stood firm, proving that such a course would result in both ships being quarantined, and none available for the mail-service next month. So it was decided that both should go to Auckland. Our great ship was literally empty, and consequently very dull. We sailed at the same moment as the Australia, and though far apart, kept alongside of one another the whole way, and never saw another sail. Yesterday at dawn we neared Auckland, and the Australia slipped quietly into quarantine harbour, the poor fellow who was ill having settled all doubts by dying the previous day. He was buried at sea. Two fresh cases have also appeared. It is very trying for all the passengers, whose families are here, expecting them for the New Year. Meanwhile we came calmly to our anchorage; but as no one in Auckland seemed capable of realising that two steamers had arrived, and that we were not also in quarantine, no friends came to meet us; so we found our way to the principal hotel, which is not much to boast of, and is at present crowded for the races. However, the landlady managed to stow us away in a series of pigeon-holes, and I then found my way to the post-office, where I was assured there were no letters for any of us, but, after much perseverance, succeeded in extracting an enormous budget, including twelve home letters for myself, which kept me busy all the rest of the day.