To think that I was leaving all my old friends behind was an impossible thing to imagine but when the evening came and I had to say goodbye. It made me think that something was happening.
It was hard to goodbye or farewell at my own home.. but I was ably assisted by Con (the girl I adore) along the lanes to her home, where I partook of my last meal with them. Soon time arrived to leave my best friends, farewell mater, and away we went singing to the station. Soon my train arrived and another farewell in a good spirit from jess and Kath, both wishing that they had been coming with me. Away went our train to town with Barrie and dear along with me. New St. reached. Here we waited for our train till 12­:50 a.m.
While waiting, our friends arrived, making a good send‑off party which included Cong, Polly, Barbara, Maggie, Barrie, Jack and old pal Arthur. Here we finally packed baggage and chatted. Presently a box belonging to a Mr Collett, who is a passenger on board the 'Ormuz' was found, and thoughts ran high to find the owner.
Time soon arrived to board the train. and Mr Collett was found in the next compartment. We were introduced to each other and then we returned to the train. The whistle was blown and then the final parting with my best pals. Last goodbye to my sister, and goodbye to my own love Con. whom I left determined to win her again to me in a short time.
Away went the train, and I was hard put not to get off again, I felt very dull but a few more got on at Coventry, then I found that I had left my camera, but consoled myself to include it in wire home, to send on to Marseilles. On we went to Rugby, catching the Scotch Express, and soon we were in London, arriving at 4‑40 a.m. From there we went to St. Pancrass and left luggage. Afterwards, we went a walk round London where Collett and his friends tried hard to lose me in the Strand, but I soon put things right and I arrived back to see Lilian just at 6 a.m. Off we started for the tube and off to Fenchurch Street. but found offices closed and we should not be able to get a permit to take Lilian aboard, so we started back and called at the first restaurant open at 7am. Here we quickly partook of ham and eggs with roll and butter then off to train and back to Kings Cross thence across the way to St. Pancrass. Here under the clock we met Edna and Dick just at the appointed time. From here we went to the large station clock to meet Mae who arrived at 8-30. While chatting Lilian got her ticket for Tilbury and down to get our seat in the train. Dick gave a few hints re book bath early, and Edna so kindly gave me a deck chair, another thing Dick said that I should want, and I find it is quite true too. So get these things done if any of you come out soon, which I hope will not be too long.
Well, 9a.m. arrived and a last farewell to the three, Mae saying they may be out here shortly. Lilian and myself took our seats and Mr.Collett Said goodbye to his friend and away we went along the banks of the Thames, through Leyton and at last on to the quay at Tilbury. Here I got my berth No.91 and gave up a portion or my ticket, then saw a policeman to get Lilian on board as we had not got a pass. This arranged, l left her and went aboard. Not a glorious boat-by far, but I rushed round and found my berth, then back on deck for my baggage and back to my berth to find a fair lady claiming my berth. This I soon put right as we looked at each others tickets, we found that she was wrong, hers being 94. Well, on to deck once more to find Lilian coming safely along with an elderly man who had a pass for friends, but was by himself. Once aboard we went round to look over the boat and Lilian seemed to think that it was alright. But time soon passed and at II-30a.m. friends were ordered off. Here I rather felt it as I could see Lilian pull herself together for my sake. Well, the last goodbye to my last friend and on to the dock she went. There we chatted merrily till we started at 12-30. I was pleased she stayed till the boat started. 12-30 soon arrived and very slowly we drifted out, midst cheers and the singing or "Old Lang Syne", we slowly drifted past the "Orrowa" and all our friends were out of sight. I could see Lilian waving for a long time after she must have lost sight of me.
The bell rang and we had dinner which I did my best to enjoy; roast beef, potatoes with their jackets on and peas. Rice pudding of a kind, and cheese and biscuits.
After dinner I made for my berth, but to my surprise, found it filled with ladies clothes. Well I thought we had misunderstood the fair friend. but l went to the Chief Steward who promised to put things right. So on deck I went, booked my bath and took my chair on deck. This is the time that you find a tip is useful.
Well, on we went, gradually losing sight of land down the river, but finding little around interesting. Tea time arrived and this I did justice. Cold meat and pickles, bread butter and jam, and tea in plenty.
I went to my cabin and found that things had been put right as the husband had made a mistake, he taking his wifes berth and visa versa, so I was content. He is a dark scotch man or whom we have plenty on board. and a decent sort. We went on board and chatted about prospects. Then Mr Collett came on the scene and we started a few tales. As fun commenced people came around and we were soon a dozen. One in particular was a droll kind, he being the funny man, and talking a lot of rot, but it was funny and I laughed at his original cockney twang.
Supper bell and supper of cocoa, biscuits (dog) and cheese.. Then on deck to find evening closing, and lighting placed. vWe passed Folkestone and several places which looked quite quaint and picturesque all lighted up. We are now getting out into the channel, but still remain close to the coast for the night as we do not really start on our journey till tomorrow. 11pm and off to bed. Some of the passengers beginning to feel ill as it is very choppy and prospects or a storm, but I fee! rather well at the present.
Goodnight with thoughts of all.

5-30am
I am on deck once more feeling quite well but the sea getting very heavy. The Captain has his oilskins on and the boat is beginning to roll.
Breakfast time 8am. and not so many faces, but we make a good breakfast of porridge, cold ham, and pickles, bread and butter and coffee, plenty of it. I am alright with the steward, so I shall be alright, he will pack me.
On deck once more to find the sea dashing over her sides and rolling badly, but I have made my way to the lee side of the boat under cover. There I sit and smoke and try to sleep, as I feel like it. Nothing to see but water dashing over the deck.
Dinner time; less faces still they all being ill, so I get what I can in a hurry and on top once more, as to be amongst the ill only makes me feel a little queer, but I am quite well, only dull over the eyes. More heavy waves and plenty of sickness. Gradually, our friends go below, and we left keep smiling our best, thinking that we may be next. I have a fair haired boy as a chum. He is about 18 and is just beginning to feel it, but he keeps up as we keep talking, as Barrie knows I can.
Tea time; Very few left and boat rolling fearfully. A few slices of bread and butter and jam, a large cup of tea and on top l get again feeling none too grand, as I understand we are in for it thick. We are now well into the Bay, about as heavy as it can be. Waves are dashing over the bridge, and it is not safe on board so I am retiring to my berth. My word, how she does roll, and you should hear the water rushing over the deck. I might say that my berth is rather near to the engine house and I do not feel the roll so badly and it is comforting to tear her keep banging away.
About 10-30 we have a terrific wave pass right over the bridge. My word you should hear the water rushing down the hatchway into the bunks and the smash of crocks. You would think that dear old Con was on board. My bags and all the other fellows bags are thrown all over the bunks and into the water. It makes you feel that all is up, but we roll on and on!

6am. arrives. I am feeling seedy, but not ill, and I can get about alright. You should see the water in some of the berths about a foot deep. I wash but feel very hot and go to breakfast. I eat a little and drink a large cup of tea. This I soon lose again I may say but feel all the better. I struggle on deck as it is most difficult to walk up the stairs when it is so rough. Occasionally. the stairs leave your feet and you hang in the air. Glorious experience cut rotten when you're not expecting it. I get on deck just in time to see one of the stewards washed across the deck by a wave, into the iron rails. Now he is in his berth with his head in bandages. I struggle through water to the gangway, find my old pal (deckchair), thanks to Edna once more. It is my saviour. I am giving the biscuits a good trial. and I find they are the best. and far better than dinner. Mr Collett has just given me an orange and I am feeling myself again after two rails on deck. as it is so slippery and rough. Dinner l missed, as it was more trouble to get down to it, and l should want very little.
Afternoon of the 30th. inst. became brighter and the sea smoother, so we are looking for a better time, although the boat rolls very heavily, but we shall be out of the bay tonight.
Tea-time arrives and off we go reeling ourselves again. A big plate of ham and pickles, bread, butter and jam with tea. We did it justice and it was a treat to see all the old faces returning, although very white. The funny man had been ill and he would have liked to have found me looking the same, but I tell him that I'm feeling great and say that I had breakfast by myself on the worst morning. I must be careful, I may fall later.
Back on deck for a walk after tea, the sun shining and the sea calm. Evening is coming on and the first stars since we left old England, but the sea is still heavy. I was told that last night was the heaviest sea seen, by one of the officers, for 15 voyages. Let us hope that the worst is at an end.
We have just passed the lighthouse at cape Varnot, and can see the lights all along the shore, so we can feel safe now for the present till we reach Colombo. I expect that we shall have a calm night, and I hope, a good night's rest. So off to bed for the third time with my thoughts of you all

6-30am
Glorious morning, sea smooth and sun shining brightly. I am in topping form for breakfast. Porridge, cold ham and pickles, bread and butter. I shall do my best to make a hole in my share and plenty more will do the same as most of the passengers are getting their feet and by the afternoon they should all be about. 500 of them being down an Sunday.
From the deck we can see the Portuguese coast, and soon we shall come quite close. Dinner time; I am off early before I lose my place, as you have to look after yourself. Curry and rice, toast beef, peas and potatoes. sago (yellow) bread and Cheese. whatto.
Day continues to be beautiful and bright and the coast is quite interesting. We see the towns and villages backed by the mountains. In the distance is Cape Rooker with its white lighthouse, and you can see the waves dashing up the rocks to a fearful height - by field glasses - as we are about 30 miles off the coast.
The scenery still continues as we make our way down to tea. This is composed or cold beef and pickles, rock cakes - very fair, bread butter jam and tea.
As evening closes we lose sight of land, but at about 11 o'clock we again see lights from shore and lighthouse.
Before closing perhaps It would be best to give a few tips that I should recommend:- A deck chair, duplicate note-book If you feel a little unwell l have found it best not to go down to meals but stay up on deck and eat biscuits and water, perhaps for a day. Also get about a dozen oranges - or prunes are a good equivalent. This will ward off sickness, and soon you will be able to sleep. Do this as much as you can for the first clay or so, then go for everything you can get. Don't wait for people to pass it along. Get it or it will soon go. We have two girls at our table who would starve if I did not even put it on their plates, but they are young ladies, very much like you at home. A man must bring one dozen boxes or matches and stick to them as they will cost 1/½d for a box instead of for a dozen boxes. Tobacco or cigarettes enough to last till Gibraltar, where it is quite cheap. The accommodation for girls is rather bad and I should not care for any or my fair friends coming out this way, but I must find out better plans as this is rather a poor boat. Jack and Barrie would be able to rough it, but for the girls to tuck in with miners at table l would not relish, although they are good hearted chaps and will do anything for you.

it is now 11p.m. and I am off to bed. A Calm clear night. So Goodnight, my thoughts are with you all

Opens boisterous. Thank goodness we are not in the Bay of Biscay, but the strong wind is very soft and we are nearing Gibraltar where we are to land for about 2 hours at 11a.m. Breakfast - what an appetite - porridge (Bloaters I missed) cold meat, bread and butter with coffee. We are now entering the Straits Or Gibraltar with the rocks on one side and Morroco on the other. We have just passed Tangier and it is getting beautiful, sun shining and nice and warm but l do not find it too warm.
It is just dinner time and we have just arrived at Gibraltar so I am off to pack first, and then the sight-seeing. Dinner: Barley broth, boiled mutton, caper sauce with usual suet pudding and syrup. What ho..
Gibraltar. I have satisfied the inner man and now for a feast for my eyes. Weather is typical. On arrival on dock I find the natives selling fruit and there is a rush. Oranges 9 for 6d, but twice the size of the ones we get at home. I have purchased 6d. Quite enough for me. Now for tobacco. Log Cabin 1/3d per ½lb. Ask Barrie the price he can get it. Grand cigars 3/- for 50, Gunboat cigarettes 16 packets for 1/-, 10 in a packet, equal to Players Navy Cut. But the fun is to see the Stokers get their tobacco. Block tobacco is 1/- 1lb and one chap wrapped a penny in silver paper and got 2lbs. He soon made off. Another put hands down by the traders feet and made off with 8lbs. They dare not follow or they would lose the stall. I think I can easily say I am first to have strawberries. Grand, quite large and ripe. I wish Con could have some, but you must all get some when you come out. I did not go far ashore as we only had one hour there and I missed my friend. A fair man I see at meal times. He tells me it is a beautiful garden city, and the shops are quite bright with colour. Silk shawls at 5/- which would cost a pound in London. Time rolls round, we are all aboard and the anchor up. Tea. cold meat, bread and butter and sponge cake. On deck again, we are gradually turning round and a final look at the rocks, plainly showing how strongly it is fortified and how remarkably everything is laid out for defence. The large battleships in their docks ready to steam out at a moments notice.
As we gradually turn round to start, we get a clear view of 20 or more armoured cruisers, and the soldiers barracks. Quite a glorious picture. They fire a farewell salute from the maxim guns on shore and as we say goodbye, with the sun bathing the rock, how I wish that I had my camera, and how I long that Con and all dear ones belonging to me could see this magnificent sight. A gaze to the left and you can see the high rocks at Morroco, a thousand or more feet in the air, with mist hanging over the tops of the rocks like we see in the pictures of great painters. The evening is drawing to a close. This being the most glorious sight that I have ever seen, and the sea like a park pool.
Night is with us once more, stars shining and the moon throwing beams of light across the water. It is beautiful sitting up, so cool and quiet after the rough lot have gone to bed. And I then think or you all , my own home, our girls and pals, and Mr & Mrs. Coates Each one coming into my mind as we glide along. So now goodnight, as it is 12 o'clock and it will soon be 6a.m. my rising time.

6a.m.
Opened beautifully and we had a glorious run before breakfast along the Spanish coast. It appears very rugged and barren, and the sun pouring down on us.
Breakfast - Irish stew, bread butter and tea etc; of which l am able to say l did justice.
Now about things in general - Jack would pass Doctor easily at Tilbury and I am told his arm would not be noticed, so tell Barrie this. Most of the fellows are getting off at Fremantle as farmers, but half of them know very little. Pay is better there but you nave to pay very dearly for lodgings, so there is nothing in it. Dinner time is drawing near as we steam along on the pool and the sun burning. Nearly everyone on board quite well now. vegetable soup, roast beef, potatoes, buttered beans and rice pud.
The afternoon is quite calm and beautiful, we are still quite close to the coast and we can see how barren it is. l am reading a book by a Baroness Orczy ‘The Nest of the Sparrowhawk’ and it is very good. Try and read it, 1/-. The tea bell is ringing and I must close. Tea – Tripe and onions, bread butter and sultana buns. How I think of home made buns, but we fare pretty well I think.
At 7p.m. the sun is setting very rapidly and now I wish that all of you were here to see this beautiful sunset. A magnificent picture, but soon it is lost as night draws on so rapidly, and soon we nave moon and stars shining brilliantly on the water. 12p.m. is soon with us, and a few of the ‘Muffler Toffs’ have commenced with a concert. What rot after our concerts at home.
Home being before me again, but l do long for you all to be here.
Goodnight to you all.

opens brightly and this is the best part of the day. As I walk along the gangway, I could imagine myself strolling along a pier at some seaside resort. breakfast - Oatmeal porridge, American ash dry etc.
Arriving on deck we have lost sight of land and the wind is getting up and we are among the rough currents. The boat Is now rolling once more, the deck is being flooded once more and passengers are again very ill and being taken down to their berths, especially the fair sex.
Dinner time arrives and the sea is calmer, as we are getting out or the currents of which there are 13 top ones, thus making it so rough. Dinner time arrives and I feel ready, as an orange soon put me right. Rice soup, rabbit and pork, potatoes and cabbage, currant pudding (another old time remembrance.)
Boat has once more stopped rolling and sea calm and every one is now anxious to see the coast of Marseilles, some being decked out in their best. but not I as time is getting late and l am afraid we shall not land. I shall if we have time. The pilot is just coming aboard and we are going right into the docks. it looks very smoky as we advance but I am told we are half an hour tramcar ride away from the city. Tea bell again. Off I go, as I am first sitting and our letters are coming aboard. Cambridge brawn and scones etc; and now that we are anchored, many more coming down to eat again.
Arriving on board, I find that we are not allowed to land so I walk back and get my letters. l find one from home and the other from my own Con. How quickly I could see and hear you all speaking or me, and for the first time did I feel deep loneliness. Quickly I pull myself together as I read how you all have confidence in me. What a feeling. The camera has not arrived yet, but l am to see the purser in the morning. The natives are aboard and alongside and it is amusing to see the girls selling the silk wraps etc; all things I know Con would like to buy, but I believe Colombo is the best port for silk. On the other end of the boat, they are busy unpacking the mails for Australia; about 200 bags and boxes.
Everyone aboard and we are leaving Marseilles, all lighted up now. Various portions I should have liked to photograph, but never mind, I can see it with my own eyes.
Supper as usual and the boat rolling a little again. Also a cold rainy wind. The rain is welcome as it may settle the sea a little. I am off to my berth to get into bed and have a read as my book is really interesting.
Goodnight once more. and nappy thoughts of all.

Opened bright, and at 5 o'clock we had made rapid progress along the Mediterranean. The sea is quite calm and it is rare fun to see the porpoises jumping several yards out or the water. They swim very fast and do their best to keep up with the boat. We leave one lot behind, only to meet more as we progress along the coast, there being about 50 or more on the leeside of the boat. How a little thing will amuse you when you have so little to think of - Coast on one side and porpoise.
Breakfast - Haddock, cold meat etc:
On deck once more. Time appearing to drag as we have no amusements. So I will try to give you a few more tips. - Be sure you bring a tea-pot aboard, plenty of tea, sugar and tin or two or milk. You do not get tea here so don't forget the tea.
We should land at Naples tomorrow for coal, so we are certain to land. All the people on deck are watching a large vessel approaching. We are expecting to meet a sister ship, the 'Otway', from Australia. She is now approaching, and all are along the side of the boat in great excitement. You will find that the least thing makes people excited in these circumstances. She looks a grand boat but the 3rd class are all packed at the stern of the boat. This must be rough on them in a storm as you feel it a great deal more there – the rolling I mean.
We are now passing the Elba Isle where Napoleon was made a prisoner. Bell ringing for dinner - Cod fish, boiled beef, potatoes and carrots with macaroni pudding to follow.
The afternoon passes away as I read my book. It is most interesting and you never know what is turning up in the next chapter. Tea - we get fish cakes, cold meat, scones etc.
I have finished my book and am well satisfied, the end finishing in a most remarkable manner, but of course, alls well that ends well. This book left me contented and satisfied. Off I go to bed as we expect to reach Naples early and I should like to be up early to see the sun rise. So.. Goodnight No. 5, my old home, thoughts of all

Up with the mist as all hands are busy preparing to land. Pilot is now in charge or our boat and we are steaming into the harbour. On our right Mount Vesuvius and on the left 3000ft up is the barracks. It is quite picturesque, just the right thing for photography, but camera has not arrived. Gendarmes are now coming aboard as they Look after the traders when they come aboard. We are now alongside two coal boats and our engines have now stopped. We are to coal here and a nice dirty job it is, but we are to land after breakfast. I have just arranged for a party of us to go ashore, with an official guide.
Breakfast of porridge, cold meat etc; and on deck once more feeling in great form to go ashore.
Our party are together and we board the tender. Gendarmes on the boat to look after us, we start, pay our 2/- (just for the return fare for 100 yards) and run to shore. While we steam along, a small boat is fastened alongside, and we have music and dancing, then you begin to think of the pictures one sees of Italians in their coloured shawls etc.
We are soon ashore and find the docks in repair. Into the streets, mind you, don't fall over that tramline, or get your foot caught between the bricks - jump that pool or water - then a heap of filth. However, on we go. The streets are so narrow and so very picturesque. Perhaps it's a good thing I don't have my camera or l should lose the boat. The shops are like tunnels and have no windows, but you walk through a kind or gateway. How your imagination works. You can imagine vile cruel robberies, foul murder of travellers etc. Above these dingy holes are flats where the poor, idle, dirty inhabitants live. The people are small, dirty and a lazy lot, lounging about, dark in complexion and very murderous in look. They drive bullock, mule and donkey wagons, the animals being cruelly tied alongside each other. The cart, about a yard and a half long with two large wheels packed up to excess, till it almost pulls the mule off it's feet. You can imagine when you see the belly - band is only about 8 inches off the end of the shafts, but the poor miserable beasts struggle along and the lazy driver and man lie on top, no matter how large the load is. But on we go, as there is so much to see. We stumble along these dingy holes, it being so quaint to see the Oxen wagons. Then we pass beautiful statues, only to take a passing glance as we hurry on to the new Jesus Church, 450 years old. Here we find the reason for Italy being so poor, yet so rich. We enter the church which is all marble and most of it is polished. We see the Altar of exquisite marble and bronze, and in various parts you see other altars of various saints, each with a few people in prayer. All round you see confession boxes with the fat old priest sitting in them. At a few, you see ladies making their confession through a small trap-door at the side, speaking into his ear. But the paintings.... Oh, you can well imagine my feelings, gazing at some or the most beautiful work I have had the pleasure to look upon. Some would be too large to put on our Art Gallery walls and so many by the same artist, ‘Messinagor’. But we must leave to see more wonders. Outside, we find it not pouring with rain, but sheets of water coming down. I return to
the church for a last look at the paintings.
It is now only pouring with rain, so we start to St Clara church.  This we find along more dirty holes.  We pull back a tarpaulin sheet and walk into the church.  The church, again all marble, with the main altar of bronze and marble, so exquisite it is hard to describe.  The pictures are also exquisite, but they are not on the ceiling, as this church has a large dome.  It also has an orchestra, composed of strings, cornets etc; and have just heard them play, - the first bit of music since I left home.
On we go, as the rain has almost ceased, to the barracks.  To reach this place, we go up a great incline by train, for which we pay sixpence return.  You would like to see the roses in bloom.  Oh how I would have loved to send you all a bunch.  50 roses for a shilling.  Alighting from the train, we go to the forts.  From this height we can see all over Naples and the harbour – what a sight.  355 churches and only half a million people to keep it up.  This surely is the ruin of Italy and it’s downfall.  Just fancy the number of priests, almost 5,000.  Monks are everywhere, begging – not I should say for the poor.
From this high place, we can see in the distance, Mount Vesuvius, smoking.
Again back to the train and down to the station.  From here we make for the palace.
On our arrival, an officer beckons to me, and points for me to follow, with policeman.  Off I go by myself – where to I don’t know.  First escorted by one officer to one room, then by another to another room, and so on through six rooms and landings, all of them beckoning and bowing.  I arrive at last in a beautiful room where I am told to sit down, by motion of officers hands.  I made a guess at my visit up here that it was a pass for our party of 15, this being the only thing that I could think of.  Presently, I was ushered into a room to another gentleman.  His English was very bad so I wrote it down and got the pass, thank goodness.  If I had known what it was all about in the first place, I should have quite enjoyed the ceremony.  Back to my party with a very proprietary air and away I took them, round the palace of 52 rooms.
First reception room not very grand, but two nice paintings Of Nicholas 1st and his grandparents, and one of the King and Queen.  I do not believe in royalty so do not care.
No.2.  Another about the same as 1st, but with tapestry which is quite beautiful.  Then along the passage and we look over the balcony to see the marble staircase that the King and Queen use on State occasions.  From here we get a good view of Naples.  On we go to more rooms.  Better furniture, but I don’t think it is used when royalty is here.  If it is, it’s a poor show.  The pictures however are all wonders, and on, tell Lolian that I have seen some porcelain.  How she would have gone mad.  They said that it was fourteenth century, but I can hardly think it was as it was so wonderful and pretty, like Dresden.
At last we reached the lounge rooms.  Here the furniture is better and pictures etc; again fine.  Then we came to the ballroom.  This room is not so beautiful as I should have imagined, rather large, but no paintings, and only the throne to sit on.  How many people tried to sit on this seat, and I should say that quite a lot succeeded, although it is watched most carefully.  This room is lighted by candles, not electricity, and very large pendants hang from the ceiling, reflecting the light.
More rooms, the whole becoming quite a maze and bewildering, so you must all make your minds to see the rest when you come out – but you must see it.
From here we cross to the Palace church, across the terrace.  Rather small and not too elaborate, but the altar is of pure silver, another terrible waste and unnecessary, but I must confess, quite beautiful.  This is another dome church, in which is the royal pew.  We leave here for Royal Theatre.  This is rather gay, but small, as it is private.  We have the box at the back, with its silver curtain and upholstered in red plush and gold hangings.
From here we left to return to the boat, and get a good stock of fruit, which is very cheap.  Sixteen oranges for sixpence, Cherries one shilling for about two pounds.  I am first again I think to taste these this year.  Well, some of us returned to the boat, but some of the fellows were left behind, as they wanted to see the dancing girls, - not worth seeing by any moral person.
We got back just in time for dinner, and I was very hungry.  We were only able to get wine of poor quality, although we had been told that you could get wine  which was very good quality in Naples.  We tried to get a bottle of brandy, as I hear that it is needed through the Red Sea, owing to fever, but 8 shillings was the cheapest, and that for only a small bottle.
Naples leaves me with wonderment, the people being dirty and idle, one for instance I saw, sitting in his barrow with his umbrella up waiting for the rain to stop.
Well on to the old boat I go and have a look round the traders.  Most of them sell very trashy stuff, but if you look into them cheap.  Jewellery it is very pretty, but remarkably dear.  Bracelets 6d, pendants 1/6d
In one of the corners was a man selling oil paintings, his portraits of old fishermen and women, also boys and monks, were very fine.  I was riveted to the spot, and just before he packed up Senor Marcarcar sold me two beauties for 7/6d.  One is 15”x10” – the head of a young girl, about the most life-like painting that I have ever seen.  She is all smiles, and the eyes speak to you.  The other is of a young boy, with cigarette in his mouth.  You can almost see him blow smoke from his mouth.  You will be able to judge from the fuss I am making of them.  I hope that Con will bring me a few more when she comes out. 
The anchor weighed once more and we are off for Taranto.  Goodbye to Naples….
It is just 4o.clock and we are due at the next port tomorrow.  Tea – cold meat etc;  The evening is chilly as the atmosphere is damp, but it is quite pleasant, the sea like a huge lake, hardly a wave can be seen.  The night is soon with us, but the sunset is ideal, the pretty colours reflected by the sea.  Night is bright with clear sky, stars large and brilliant, and the moon like our harvest moon we get at home, so bright.
11p.m. again and one day nearer the goal.  Goodnight.

I arrive on deck to find a child’s funeral is about to take place.  Lilian may have noticed this child.  The family had hard work getting her through, but they were starving in London.  The service was short, and all that is necessary.  The body is wrapped up in canvas and weighted, then placed on a plank of wood over the side of the vessel with the union Jack over.  The engines are stopped, the bell tolled and we leave the poor little mite off Mount Etna.  Rather sad, but not many on deck.
It is bright and the sea calm, and we have just passed Messina where they had the terrible earthquake a short time ago.
Breakfast – We have oatmeal porridge with milk – they say – but I have not seen milk since my breakfast with Lilian in London.  Liver (I left) and bacon (good) Cold beef etc; Once more on deck to see the snow covered mountains on our left, the scenery in parts cultivated, and in others, very barren.  This kind of scenery continues until 12, when we cross Taranto Bay and lose sight of land once more for a short time, the monotony only being broken by a few doves flying aboard.  Dinner – macaroni soup, roast pork, apple sauce etc; Plum pudding, - at least it has the name – and it fills up so why trouble. While we are steaming along the calm sea I think of Naples once more, and I quite forgot one of the chief sights.  It was a beautiful arcade, all of polished marble.  The roof all glass and the shops exquisite.  The shops comprise tailors, hairdressers, photographers, who exhibit some beautiful portraits, life size.  One a beauty, of the actress you see in ‘The Fall of Troy’ at the Picture House.  I spoke to our guide and he called her a Gaiety Girl, whatever that is.  At all events, the photo was very good. Speaking of the arcade, with its very large dome of glass, it’s large marble pillars, the milliners shops with various peculiar coloured, trimmed hats, ladies hosiery, beautiful materials.  But how expensive everything is.  Liptons tea, 1/6d per lb at home 4/- per lb here, sugar 8d per pound, condensed milk 1/6d per tin, salt 6d per lb.  So don’t forget to bring tea, sugar, teapot, biscuits, deck chair, ( writing paper you get free on board), towel, spoons, map.  Warm clothing up to Port Said.  Don’t think that you are hardened, better to feel warm.  Big thick warm coat for the Mediterranean Sea.  The air is full of moisture and it is surprising how damp your clothes get at night.  Do not forget this, as pneumonia, rheumatics, and fever, play havoc with the passengers.  After leaving Naples, anyone ill is immediately put into the isolation Hospital.  We have 16 ill on board, but none of infectious nature as yet.  My news will get a little scanty, as we now do three days at sea.  Taranto we reached at 7p.m. on Sunday, and it tis not a safe place to land, but we took the risk and had trouble, but the sailors had two pistols, which they fired and my word, how they made the boatman frightened.  I hear that Taranto is very similar to Naples only more modern.  The square flats with each building of different design, but they have beautiful squares laid out with flowers all in full bloom.  How I think of home, and I often wish some of you could enjoy this trip.   How Con and I would enjoy it together, both being of the same tastes and enjoying the same pleasures.
Well Goodbye to our last port of Europe.  We have just taken the last of the 2,238 mail bags aboard and the deck is filled up with the

We have started on a 936 miles out to open sea.  The sea you cannot imagine, it is like a sheet of glass and very misty, and at various times we pass one of the Grecian Islands and can see the top of the range of mountains covered with snow.  It is very pretty to watch, but you see so much of it that it lacks interest and most of us will not be sorry to land at our destination.
We are all beginning to settle down to our surroundings and I think less of the surroundings that I detested from the first.  If girls keep themselves to themselves and be pleasant, they are all right, but I should think that flirting is very dangerous.  If a girl brings plenty of sewing and books to read, all is well, but if they are not careful they are soon the talk of the boat.  Girls should make things right with the chief stewardess, give a few shillings to her and always ask her to take tea, I mean your private tea, with you.  Make a friend of them and give the men a rest.  I have seen enough to make me afraid of my fair friends, and men who travel are usually sowing their wild oats.  If you have any money with you, put it in a body-belt or purse, next to your flesh.  If you put it in your cabin you will very soon lose it.  Only put a few shillings in your pocket at a time, never more, and never take your belt off, or away it goes.  One fellow pulled his belt  off to go in to Naples, told no-one about it, but it was gone, with 57 pounds, when he got back.  Another 10 pound and several small items, so people can’t be too careful

Brought us to the Suez canal, after three days at sea.  We were disappointed to hear that we could not land at Port Said owing to smallpox, which is very bad there.
We arrived at 6.30p.m. last night, and it was very amusing to see t he natives loading our boat with 3,000 tons of coal, as we have now 10 days journey without a break.  The port we could see very little of, but we could see Liptons and Pears soap have both got big warehouses there.  The streets now begin to look more tropical, each side being lined with trees, and when the electric light is on, you can imagine you see dear old home.
The real sight of Port Said is the coaling.  Here you see 304 400 natives carrying the coal aboard.  They are composed of women mostly, men and boys.  To hear the monotonous singing and then see the load they carry on their shoulders, about half a cwt at a time, sometimes more.  Their chief stands and thrashes them with a big whip, and you should see the speed at which they unload and carry it on to our boat.  They run up one plank, 20 or 30 at a time, each with a big load, shouting a t the top of their voices to each