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CONTENTS
Family Background / My father: the able man / My father: the lay preacher / School days / Dangerous Occupations / Going to Sea I / Going to Sea II / Going to Sea III / Passage to America / First Steps / The Great Lakes / Return to England / A Narrow Escape / Passage to New Zealand / Auckland / Finding a Mission / Fit for Mission Work? / A Suitable Helpmeet / A Bush Honeymoon / Our Worst Night / Missionary Heroes / Sydney to Samoa
Acknowledgments & Links
My first entrance into business life was as an assistant in Dr. C.'s surgery; but after nearly blowing up the establishment in trying to make hydrogen gas, and afterwards in preparing some phosphorus fire-bottles, which created a sensation in the streets, it was considered that I had no special gifts for the medical profession. Just about that time the Asiatic cholera was raging in Barnard Castle. I was attacked by the disease, and had a very narrow escape from death.
On leaving home I was employed in a large chemist's and bonded store at Sunderland, but failed again to manifest any special aptitude for the business. I was then apprenticed to a draper in Hartlepool. In this situation I was often employed in matters which were not at all connected with the drapery business proper. We did a great deal of business with the captains of foreign ships which came to Hartlepool for coals. These men often brought over cigars, tobacco, and other dutiable goods, which were landed as the opportunity offered without the knowledge of the Customs authorities, and without paying the proper dues to Her Majesty's Government. These men then purchased from us large quantities of moleskin and print goods, which they managed to smuggle into their own country on their return. They often needed help in landing the goods they brought to England, and the packages which they bought from us had to be conveyed on board at night, after the crew had gone to sleep. My employer seems to have found out that this occupation was far more congenial to me than standing behind a counter, and I was generally selected when any assistance was necessary. I do not think it would be at all profitable for me to give in detail the transactions in which I took part in those days.
Family Background / My father: the able man / My father: the lay preacher / School days / Dangerous Occupations / Going to Sea I / Going to Sea II / Going to Sea III / Passage to America / First Steps / The Great Lakes / Return to England / A Narrow Escape / Passage to New Zealand / Auckland / Finding a Mission / Fit for Mission Work? / A Suitable Helpmeet / A Bush Honeymoon / Our Worst Night / Missionary Heroes / Sydney to Samoa
Acknowledgments & Links