Their voyage was uneventful and entirely free from illness or casualty, with the exception of the usual toll levied by Neptune in the shape of sea-sickness.
Of the passengers, 108 have been assisted out by the Government, about half a dozen are returned New Zealanders, and the remainder have been assisted by friends in New Zealand or have acted upon their own initiative.
The new arrivals include 117 farmers, 1 dairy farmer, 6 farm labourers, 10 domestics, and 8 married women, who have come to this country to join their husbands.
The resources of our new settlers include capital ranging from 25 to 350, added to which they all appear to be endowed with splendid physique, a very large measure of cheerfulness and great hope for their future in this country - several having already tried their fortunes in other lands, only to succumb to the call of New Zealand.
Captain Holmes and the officers of the Karamea speak in very high terms of praise regarding their behaviour on board, one of the officers being emphatically of opinion that "they are an exceptionally fine lot, and of the right stamp to evolve into desirable colonists."
This view was amply confirmed by their personal appearance without exception, and the scrupulous cleanliness of their quarters bore convincing testimony to their love of order and tidiness.
The voyage having been favourable, games of all kinds were freely indulged in, and entertainments of various kinds were organised by the captain and officers from time to time to vary the monotony of the voyage; and Dr Pryor (the ship's surgeon) gave several lectures on New Zealand, by means of which he disseminated a large amount of valuable information concerning the resources of the Dominion.
- ODT, 24.10.1908.
