| Description | Letters written to 'Dear Maggie', his daughter, [Helen M. Dixon] between 12 August and 16 December 1888 during the voyage to and stay in New Zealand in the company of 'Jimmie', [his son, James Ernest Dixon]. The trip appears to be primarily for business purposes as Dixon was known to have business interests in New Zealand and Australia but his letters also reflect his broader interests in the social, educational and economic developments in the colony. The letters give detailed descriptions of life on board the ship 'Doric' on the outward journey, including references to their fellow passengers which included the son of General William Booth of the Salvation Army, impressions when going ashore at ports of call and later their busy itinerary during their stay in New Zealand. He reports on his meetings with a variety of settlers in the country and his observations of technological and agricultural developments. His detailed letters form a journal of his travels and experiences in the colony and provide a vivid picture of social, political and economic life in nineteenth century New Zealand. |