December 3 Tuesday – Sam called the four-hour train ride to Wanganui (pop. 14,000) “a pleasant trip.” Sam wrote of the area:

Much horseback riding, in and around this town; many comely girls in cool and pretty summer gowns; much Salvation Army; lots of Maoris; the faces and bodies of some of the old ones very tastefully frescoed. Maori Council House over the river — large, strong, carpeted from end to end with matting, and decorated with elaborate wood carvings, artistically executed. The Maoris were very polite [FE ch XXXV 318].

Sam performed the No. 1 program of “At Home” in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Wanganui. The hall “was packed, many having to stand.” The audience was “convulsed…with laughter for nearly two hours” Reviews published: Dec. 4: Wanganui Chronicle; Wanganui Herald; Dec. 7: Yeoman [Shillingsburg, At Home 168; “Down Under” 28].