Letters from George B. Parker: Folder 1 (Orwell, Melbourne, Waitangi, Dunedin, Christchurch, Waihoa. (172p.), 11 January 1861-16 December 1864

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Journal of voyage on Orwell, 11 January - 3 May 1861, Plymouth to Melbourne; other passengers; weather; entertainments; service in the cuddy taken by Captain and second mate 'I never knew people read so fast as they do'; acting trial scene in Pickwick; other ships; dancing muffin man on deck; 'we go on day after day in precisely the same way'; Melbourne Club 'pretty uncomfortable' 'Danglish is a decidely clever man and very amusing'; calling on Governor; society in Melbourne; arrival at Harry's run at Waitangi; the house; life on the run; 'shearing is our great event'; neighbours; 'sheep I am happy to say are animals that look after themseleves entirely'; appointed inspector of cattle for the district; prevelance of gossip; the American Civil War; their financial position; foolishness of diggers leaving guaranteed employment and going off into the mountains with no provisions; Timaru races; Harry's trip to England in 1863; suffering from 'colonial fever'; moving to new house; planning voyage to England via South America; opera in Christchurch with Lucy Escott performing; Edward's impressions of New Zealand 'much more civilised than he expected'.

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