Fine day. In the morning, drew out the remainder of my banking account and asked for a draft on 'Frisco for £5. Paid balance of passage money and got my ticket for 'Frisco and L'pool. Then went and had my hair cut. Coming back overtook the two Miss C's and walked back part of the way with them. In the afternoon went with Brock, Bradshaw and Gilbert and four or five other men for a sail in a yacht of 9 tons burden about the bay, but there was hardly any wind and we simply sailed to the North Shore and back. Some of them were going this evening in the same yacht, to an island 8 or 9 miles off to spend the Sunday rabbit shooting there and come back in the evening. Was asked ... read more

Splendid day. Warm in the open but wind cold. Walked out to Onehunga. Fair Day at Auckland so causing a lot of traffic on the road. Got to T's place about 12.30. Cairns came in soon after. After an early dinner, T, C and I went for a drive. Passed some hills called the “Three Kings” and then by another hill called Mount Albert which is used as a quarry for railway ballast. Had tea a little after 5 and walked back, T & C coming with me a little part of the way.... read more

Very fine day. Went for a walk with B in the morning thro Panmure and passed a garden where there was a splendid show of chrysanthemums. Some of the houses had lovely views of the bay. Came back by a lower road running along two or three bays, one of which was almost circular – the sea coming thro' a narrow opening at one end. The tide was out leaving a lot of mud uncovered here and there. Some small mangrove trees were growing in the mud by the shore. Called upon Mrs Jakins in the afternoon, but she was out. In the evening went to a chess club which is held once a week over a shop in Queen St., Mr J being a member thereof. Left with him about 9.30, walking back met Gilbert ... read more

Fine day. Nailed up the box to go home. Went for a short stroll afterwards- met Buckworth who was leaving for Tauranga in the evening. In the afternoon went for a walk with Gilbert. Afterwards had a hot bath. Came back here and found a letter from Dr Torrance asking me to his place on Friday or Sunday – wrote to say that I would come on Friday. Went to the club with Brock and Drake. Had rather a bad headache most of the day.... read more

Fine but somewhat cold morning and showery afternoon. In the morning went in to Queen Street – walked part of the way with the two Miss Courtaynes. Went for a stroll onto the pier. Met Buckworth – had a chat with him for a short time. Got some more Quinine & Bromide of Potassium made up. Wrote home a little and did a little packing and then lay down having a slight headache. Had a lot of shells given me by Mrs Breen, Mrs C's sister. Finished “The Martyrdom of Man” - it is a wonderful book and cleverly written.... read more

Dull'ish day, showery in afternoon. Called about my portmanteau – promised to let me have it at 12. Also a pair of boards of mottled …… for an album (paid 8/- for them). The bill soon followed and was paid quicker than the work was done. Called at the bank and drew out £40 which I paid to Messrs Owen & Graham for deposit to secure a berth by mail steamer on 29th inst. The Patterson lot left this morning, the mother and baby having left some days ago – the baby was an uncommonly noisy one, taking after the father. A Mr Chadwick also left, he had only been here a few days. A Mr Williams and a young fellow came in the afternoon. Went out for a bit in the afternoon. Bought a fresh ... read more

Somewhat dull day. Wrote to Dr T in the afternoon to say that on referring to the paper, I found that if we go to the Thames Valley on Wednesday (the day named) we should not be able to get back till Saturday. This would not suit me because I want to leave here on the following Tuesday. Had tea at 6 o'clock and went with Drake to a church about ½ mile from here. The service and singing was very fair but the sermon was nothing much. Had supper at 9.... read more

Very fine day. Walked over to Dr Torrance's place at Onehunga and got there about 12.30. Went about the garden before dinner. The garden is a good sized one and slopes down to the road. Was introduced to Mrs T – a very nice good looking Scotch lady. Cairn's sister and Mrs C who was staying there, a little girl about 2 ½ years old made up the party. Afterwards all but Mrs C, went for a drive about the neighbourhood. The soil here and there is very poor and rocky – looks hardly worth cultivating. Passed several small hills, all of volcanic origin. I should think from general appearances, that this Island, in distant ages, must have been a very uncomfortable one to live in. Came back thro' a small town called Otahuhu where the ... read more

Fine but somewhat cold and windy day. Drew £10 from the bank – paid Mrs C for weeks lodgings, £6. Intended to have a swim but the tide was too low. The German Man of War “Albatross” left this morning – she is a very pretty barque. In the afternoon, went on with my letter home for a short time. About 5 o'clock, went to Mr Jakins' office and was introduced to his partner Mr Wilcox. Shortly afterwards, all three of us walked to Mr J's house. There was another lady there besides Mrs J. After tea, we sat down to a rubber of whist. Shortly after a Mr & Mrs Upton and the husband of the other lady came in. After supper, had some music and singing. We all left a little after 10. Walked ... read more

Before I was up this morning, a man called for my Portmanteau which got damaged coming over from Sydney – it is only about 10 days since I asked him to send for it. Went for a stroll in the morning about town. Met Mr Jakins who asked me to go and have tea with him tomorrow. Further on met Dr Torrance who invited me out to his place on Saturday. In the afternoon went on a bit with my letter home and then went to the Auckland Club of which, thanks to Mr Brock who is a solicitor in town, I am an Honorary Member. Made for the reading room which is fairly well supplied with English papers. Started to read a book by Winwood Reade called the “Martyrdom of Man”. In the evening went ... read more