Description
Lillie, Ethel and Fannie were experienced sailors who visited most of the outlying islands of New Zealand and appear to have enjoyed a freedom unusual in their era. From riding horses to rowing boats, drawing or playing music, their love of nature and quirky sense of humour gave them an ability to make fun from the simplest of situations.
The poorly-spelled but enchanting account of this trip is recorded in an illustrated diary which offers an extraordinary insight into the lives of this trio of young adventurers who fearlessly faced the challenges of freezing southern latitudes with little more to protect them than high spirits.
All the images are drawn or painted by Ethel who went on to become a draughtswoman for the Lands and Survey Department.
Cynthia Cass is the granddaughter of Lillie and the great-niece of “Aunty Fluff”, Ethel Richardson.
