MANY NEW SETTLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19280, 19 March 1926, Page 13

MANY NEW SETTLERS.

THE WAIMANA'S CONTINGENT. TOTAL OF NEARLY 800. OVFR TWO HUNDRED CHILDREN MORE MEN FOR FARM WORK. With decks lined from stem to stern with new settlers, (lie Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's steamer Waimana dropped anchor in the harbour at eight o'clock yesterday, on completion of her voyage fym Southampton. The 789 irnTiiig«#»vT3 were astir early yesterday morning, and many of them were on deck at daylight to catch a glimpse of the coastline of their promised land. As the Waimana neared the harbour the early morning sun shone brightly on the green landscape and smooth waters and the whole effect was a picture as fair and enticing as one could wish for

This contingent ranks third so far as numbers are concerned since the present immigration policy came into force In 1921 between 990 and 1000 immigrants were brought to the Dominion in one ship, while a litt.ie later another ship brought over 800. The Waimana, ordinarily a cargo carrier, was specially fitted with passenger accommodation for this trip. This involved a big task for so large a number of passengers. Hundreds of cabins were temporarily fitted, while the dining rooms occupied considerable space. Altogether the immigrants were very comfortable. Some complained that it was stuff}' amidships in the tropics, but all had praise for the officers for doing all that was possible for their comfort. Except for a few days' rough weather in the Atlantic, the Waimana had an exceptionally good passage. An energetic committee arranged for sports, dances, and parties for the many children. A bazaar was also held/ Outbreak of Measles. Of tho total of 793 new immigrants, 361 are men, 236 women, and 201 children. The largest family is one of seven children while there are many of four and five children. Except for a slight outbreak of measles among a few children good health was enjoyed by all on the trip. Four of the children, who are recovering from measles, will remain on the ship for -a few days. All trades and professions are represented among the men, while many of the women intend to pursue dressmaking, domestic duties, and other occupations. In many cases both husband and wife intend to work. One man said he was going on a farm, while his wife would remain behind in Auckland to start a dressmaking business In this way they hope to save sufficient monsv to be independent some day. Fifty-four of the men are farm workers. At least half of this batch came from Scotland, and the broad and on occasions almost unintelligible accent was to be heard on all sides. The remainder came from north of England counties and from Ireland The souti of England was hardly represented at all. The children for the most part are a sturdy lot. There are many babies in arms and a large number who learned to walk on tho voyage. The style of dress of the immigrant is always a matter of interest, to New Zealand people. As a ruie the men, with their high Derby hats and fur collar coats attract the most attention. The women outshone the men on the Waimana, however. Many of them were wearing Russian boots, stated to be very popular in Europe. These boots are brown in colour and come almost up to the knees. They may be comfortable, but they are certainly not elegant. Some of the children were also wearing these boots. A family of Scots girls wore sailor hats with chequered tops. As for the men, most of them were neatly dressed, the doublebreasted coat predominating. Cupid and His Darts. Cupid played s big part on the voyage. It was stated that one young man and young woman, who met aboard, wanted to marry on the voyage, but they were advised to wait until tney reached Auckland. While the Waimana was out in the stream they were taken by surprise and showered with rice

The busiest centre of the ship during the voyage was the commissariat department. The feeding of more than eight hundred people—the immigrants, the forty-seven volunteer seamen who returned, and the crew—presented a big task. The chief steward, Mr. J. Russell, in approximate figures, estimated that 12001b. of meat, 70Ulb. of bread, 2001b. of jam, 1001b. of butter, 40 gallons of milk, and 1501b. of sugar were consumed every day. The cooks and stewards had to work hard to meet the great demands. A largi. number of people had gathered on the wharf when the Waimana drew alongside. It was evident that a large proportion of the crowd comprised immigrants who had already settled in New Zealand. They recognised many friends on the ship and messages of greeting were exchanged across the short stretch of water

Of the total number of immigrants, 231 are for Auckland Those destined for places south of Auckland left by tlio limited and ordinary expresses last evening.