IV 
DARBY AND JOAN 
207 
poultry, to the neighbours round them. Two strong 
active lads were clearing the land where grass would 
be sown, and they would rear more cattle, but it was 
“ muckle work ” commencing. The boys were in a 
great state of wonderment at my appearance, at first 
thinking me a new “ help,” and my proven ability to 
make scones elevated me to a pinnacle of esteem 
and favour that I trust I had not forfeited when I 
left I took my first lesson in knitting that evening 
when my hostess had leisure to give it, and then at 
half-past nine she read a chapter in the Bible, in her 
quaint way, and we went to bed. Her husband came 
home unexpectedly next evening, and I shall not soon 
forget his hearty manly greeting of us both. Weel, 
lass, what’s the maitter noo ? ” he asked, as she burst 
into tears at sight of him. I was “ a bonnie bit 
leddie,” a “ dainty leddie.” Nothing could exceed his 
chivalrous courtesy, or the kindness of both to me. I 
left next day, and his last words were “ Dinna forget 
us ” : nor shall I. 
Next morning I rode to meet the coach, and arrived 
at the “ Victoria ” at Wanganui in time for a bath and 
dinner, having had a glimpse into another phase of 
human nature. My hostess had offered me the best of 
all she had, not even knowing my name. 
Not every inch of New Zealand is fertile land. 
Fortune does not always await the farmer, and for the 
intending emigrant there are many rocks ahead. It is 
as uphill work here at first as elsewhere, and no one 
should come without a friend or relative on the spot to 
advise them, certainly not to be led by promises of the 
colonising agents, who are naturally interested in dis- 
posing of the land, large areas of which are at present 
an incubus on the bank and loans companies, and must 
be got rid of by hook or by crook. North of Auckland, 
