A New Zealander Abroad.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2697, 7 October 1905, Page 2

A New Zealander Abroad.

Mr Ernest Matson, of the firm of Matson and Co, Christchurch, writes to the editor of this paper under date London, August 25th, as follows : — " Traade up my mind to go Home in^ some 3 days, so did not get time 'to run up to you to say goodbye. I spent some few weeks m Australia, visiting Sydney, Melbourne, and different parts of Western Australia. The country around these places has just about recovered from the severe drought. When at Adelaide there was one day's rain, and the residents seemed m high glee at the prospects of saving their crops. I' went over several sheep stations m Australia, and noticed that the type of sheep generally is a very strong merino one ; ,of course, I am speaking of a few hundred miles inland. It seems curious to have two lambings like- they do there. After leaving-Fremantle we had exceedingly heavy weather, sea's mountains high breaking over us, m consequence of which we had to be shut down for three days. I would not like jto go through the same trial again. I travelled as far as India m a German steamer, and

I can say without fear of contradiction that it was well equipped, the discipline good, and the civility more than could be expected. The only drawback is the foreign language, but you pick up enough to get what you require. We had a very jolly time, only I could not keep pace with the Germans drinking their lager beer. Upon arriving at India, I went over several tea plantations, fruit groves, bronze works, etc. The natives have a great way of tranv sacting business, and when it comes to changing money you think the black man is not so ignorant after all. Ceylon would be an excellent place to live m if the climate were only cooler. I did not do any walking there, as I had a jinricksha,, and a coolie to pull me ; the little beggars run like hares. Aden reminds you of a desert, surrounded as it is by sandy hills, with not a speck of vegetation. The climate, too, is a very warm one. I stayed here for one day, and it was quite enough. The buildings are all m dark brick, and there is nothing but red and grey sand everywhere- The natives here are always pestering you to purchase some of their goods. After a week's run through the Red Sea we arrived -at Suez. The heat as we went jhrougli the Red Sea was intense. After a few minor experiences, we arrived at Port Said, and I consider this a fine place. As we remained m Port some time, I went a little inland, and saw what was to be seen. Arriving at Italy I spent a a week m Naples and surrounding country. I came across a fine Italian gentleman who showed me sights I .never expected to see, and perhaps will not see again. Passing along I got to Genoa, and spent a very good time there. The buildings m this city are wonderful, There are also electric cars, trains without engines, and factories of immense size. Rice and macaroni is the chief food of the natives, especially among the poorer classes. I will perhaps give you an account of my tour m Spain until I arrived m England later. I will be m London bent on pleasure and business combined, so I cannot say ' at present what my arrangements will be. I wish all the farmers a good lambing and trust that the price of lamb next season will repay them for the high prices they h.ad to, pay for their ewes I intend to interest niyself not only m the lamb trade but m everything connected with which New Zealand benefits by sending into this country I shall also take a trip up to the North of England to Leeds, Liverpool, Yorkshire, etc., to inspect the wool trade. I shall be pleased to hear from any of my friends, especially from those who I have had many dealings with. I will answer these letters personally, and my address for the time being will be care of the Chrjstchijrch Ityeat Company, 64 West Smitbfjeld, jLqqdoh ' E.C., and if away my correspondence will be sent on to wherever I am Trusting that you will express my feelings for your district and for friends I may never meet again — I am, etc , Ernest T. Matson.