A Lucky Landing

"They travelled across the world in search of a new life, a piece of land to call their own. They came, too, in their thousands, to dig for gold. Many of the young women came to work as servants in the homes of those more wealthy than themselves; the men often earned a living building bridges, tunnels and railways until they could afford a farm of their own. Some came as priests and nuns to teach and care for their fellow countrymen and women. The Irish who poured into New Zealand, particularly as assisted immigrants in the last third of the nineteenth century, have left an indelible mark on this country's history and culture -- and on its people: it is estimated that an astonishing 20 per cent of New Zealand's population can claim Irish ancestry. "A lucky landing" tells of the colourful Irish men and women who have played a part in New Zealand politics (John Ballance, Joseph Ward, Bill Massey, Michael Savage), in its literature (Thomas Bracken, Dan Davin, Eileen Duggan), in its commercial success (Thomas Russell, Robert Hannah). There are chapters on the Irish goldminers, on the battles between Orange and Green that were once fought fiercely in this country, on the Irish influence in the Catholic church, on the many Irish who became publicans or policemen, and on the discrimination suffered by the Irish immigrants in the days before being Irish was a matter for pride ..." -- Inside front cover.