BOY’S LONG VOYAGE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17452, 29 December 1930, Page 11

BOY’S LONG VOYAGE

DESTINATION ON LABEL V __

IRELAND TO NEW ZEALAND

It is' ficit often that steamer passengers arrive from overseas tagged with an undress label like a package sent by parcels post, but a boy, who had come all the way from Ireland addressed to Ins destination, reached Auckland by the Rang - tiki. This hoy, a bright Irish lad, U years of age, has come to join his patents at Lumsden, in the South Island. When the boy, John Magee, walked oil the Rangitiki at Auckland, an address label tied to a strap under his coat announced the purpose of Ins journey ami his objective., However, he was not leit to shift for himself, as he was met at the wharf by Brigadier A. Greene, of the Salvation Army, who made him welcome and undertook his care until he leaves on his journey* south. The Magees, parents of the young passenger, left Galway, Ireland, with other members Qf the family about live years aoo for Australia, leaving their son John with relatives at Limerick. The family spent- 2i years in Australia and then came to New Zealand. Having found a permanent home at Lumsden they sent for their son, and the Salvation Army undertook to meet him at various points on' his journey. Officers of the organisation put him aboard a. steamer at Belfast, and others met him at Liverpool, and saw that he caught the right train to Southampton. At this latter port he was looked after by members of .the Army, who put him aboard the Rangitiki. On the voyage he made many friends, and thoroughly enjoyed the long ocean trip. On his arrival at Auckland Brigadier Greene supplied him with a. new label on which it was stated that the boy would be met by officers of the Salvation Army at Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, and Gore, and that at the latter place lie would be met by his father. The message fc.'on the label also contained a request to " railway guards to assist the boy where necessary. Young Magee is an intelligent youth, and should complete his long journey in safety, impressed with the ramifications of the great organisation which" lent its help, and with the human kindness to be met in all climes.