The Emigration to New Zealand
The Emigration to New Zealand - fact Summary
Emigration Impulse from Lawson
The poem presents a speaker who receives a letter from a friend in New Zealand urging him to emigrate. Tired of Sydney, colonial life, rent and hardship, he welcomes the idea of cooler climate, warmer hearts, and a fresh start. The tone is practical and resolute rather than romantic; the poem reflects Henry Lawson’s personal wish to leave Australia and try his fortunes in "Maoriland."
Read Complete AnalysesI’ve just received a letter from a chum in Maoriland, He’s working down in Auckland where he days he’s doing grand, The climate’s cooler there, but hearts are warmer, says my chum, He sends the passage money, and he says I’d better come. (I’d like to see his face again, I’d like to grip his hand), He says he’s sure that I’ll get on first-rate in Maoriland. An’ tho’ he makes the best of things (it always was his style), You mostly get on better in a new land for a while, An’ when I see the fading line of my own native shore, I’ll let it fade, and never want to see it anymore. I’m tire of Sydney pavements, and the Western scrub and sand, I’d rather fight my troubles for a change in Maoriland. I’m off to make inquiries as to when the next boat sails, I’m sick of all these colonies, but most of New South Wales, An’ if you meet a friend of mine who wants to find my track, Say you, He’s gone to Maoriland, and isn’t coming back. An’ should it be the landlord or the rates, you understand, Just say you’ll find him somewhere knocking round in Maoriland.
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