If, in writing this book, I had any object beyond that of amusing the reader, it has been to give accurate information to young Englishmen belonging to the middle-classes. From this section of home society a considerable number of emigrants go out who had much better stop at home. On the other hand, there are many who do not stir, and who would be much better off in a colony. Perhaps, from the record I am now able to put before them, some of these young gentlemen will be more able to decide whether they are personally adapted to become colonists in Northern New Zealand or not. If one unsuitable emigrant is hereby deterred from leaving home, and if one capable colonist is added to the population of "Brighter Britain," my labour will not have been altogether useless. For the rest, I throw myself again upon the indulgence of critics, and on that of a public which has already abundantly favoured the efforts I have made to please and serve it. THE AUTHOR. LONDON, _June 25th, 1882._ CONTENTS OF VOL. I. CHAPTER PAGE I. A "NEW-CHUM'S" INTRODUCTION 1 II. AUCKLAND 21 III. GOING UP COUNTRY 63 IV. IN THE KAIPARA 93 V. OUR SHANTY 115 VI. OUR HOME-LIFE 143 VII. OUR PIONEER FARM. I. 174 VIII. OUR PIONEER FARM. II. 196 IX. OUR SHOW-PLACE 227 X. OUR NATIVE NEIGHBOURS 253 XI. OUR SETTLER FRIENDS 285 XII. A PIG-HUNT 319 BRIGHTER BRITAIN! CHAPTER I. A "NEW-CHUM'S" INTRODUCTION. Three months on board ship seems a long while to look forward to, yet it is but a short time to look back upon. Emigrants, being for the most part drawn from among dry-land-living populations, are apt to be daunted by the idea of a long voyage. People would be more ready, perhaps, to contemplate becoming colonists, were it not for that dreaded crossing of the sea which must necessarily be their first step. Their terrors may be natural enough, but they are more fanciful than real; and once overcome, the emigrant smiles at his former self. After the first week or two at sea, the most inveterate "land-lubber" begins to feel at home; in another week or two he has become quite nautical, and imagines himself to have been a sailor half his life; while, when the voyage is over and the time come to go ashore, there are few who leave their floating home without regret.