In Search of a Home Down Under

Unpublished Manuscript: Ledger, James J. 'In Search of a Home at the Antipodes' [Melbourne, 1890] A leather-bound hand-written description of the journey and experiences of James Ledger, emigrating from England in 1878; the sea journey, the experiences in New Zealand and ultimately, settling in Melbourne. Many charming pen and ink illustrations, several photographs (including the author). Ledger departed from London on Dec.2nd, 1878, one of only 26 passengers aboard the barque 'Cape Finisterre', which eventually arrived at Lyttleton in New Zealand on March 31st, 1879. The sea-journey, sighting Tristan da Cunha, rounding the Cape, the gales and other experiences are very graphically described. Shortly after arrival, Ledger volunteered to join the Timaru Battalion which was being formed to deal with the Maori revolt at Parihaka and in 1882 left New Zealand for Australia, where he wrote this memoir in 1890.'Well, New Zealand had not proved a very successful venture on my part, and although I was never in actual want, still the country during my stay there, was in a most deplorable state. The men who managed it had made a mess of the finest jewel in the British Crown.''Melbourne is the headquarters of the literature, art, drama & music of Australasia. Its library a perfect gem, attached to it the National Gallery of pictures and Museum. They say Melbourne is fast; to a provincial it might appear so, to me it seemed a go-ahead place and is considered the most Americanised city under the British flag.'