EMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1841, 16 January 1880, Page 3

EMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND.

The following letter is extracted from the “Wiltshire Times:”—

Dear Sir, —I would feel much obliged if you would afford space for the publication of this letter, which is an advice to those who contemplate emigrating. My advice is “ don’t." New Zealand, there is no doubt, is a grand country, but at present is in a frightfully depressed condition. At one time everyone could find work, and get good wages, but now, on account of the numbers who have arrived and are still arriving, wages have fallen, and there is not work enough for all. There are hundreds of men out of employment, walking the streets of every principal town, while it would scarcely be believed the numbers that are walking from one end of the island to the other, seeking work and finding none. True it is, some do not look for work, but just loaf from farm to farm, getting a night’s lodging and their meals, and are thus content. Ship after ship arrives, landing its passengers, but what are they to do ? They spend all their money, a few get work, while a good many go home again, very often in the same ship in which they came out, working their passage home, while others so disheartened, take to the public houses, and thence to the asylums. Why will the people of England be so easily gulled with soft words and grand promises, which alas, are too often like pie crust ? Any one coming out here should have money, for without it, it is almost impossible to get on. In past times, a man could come out here without ft penny in his pocket; but now it is changed, a man must be in a position to buy land, in order to make work. Any one making his twenty shillings a week at home is far more comfortable and better off, than one getting two pounds a week out here, house rent and living being very dear. Many leave comfortable and happy homes, with hearts full of hope and with groat expectations, thinking in a short time to send for their wives and families, but while a few manage to do so, the majority cannot but be deceived. It is not the land flowing with milk and honey as represented to the people at home, nor is it the place for those employed in the mills and factories. It is to be hoped that things will shortly be better, as no doubt they will, and then, and not till then, when there is more capital in the country, will be the time to emigrate. I have thus written from experience, hoping that those for whom it is intended will take the advice I row give, for a few years yet. It would be madness to think of coming to this country, and it is a groat shame inducing people with misrepresentations to leave their homes thinking to better themselves, but at last finding themselves to be worse off than what they were at home. The few instances of those who have been successful are continually being thrust before us, while of those who have failed no hing is to be heard. I have been induced to write this, hearing that friends of mine are coming out hero, and I don’t see very well what they are going to do. If people think of emigrating, why don’t they write to friends, if they have any already out here, asking for advice before leaving home ? Apologising for thus taking up your space, if you should think it fit to publish this letter, I remain, dear sir. Yours truly, Joseph Wir. Fbancis. Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, October 10th.