Outlines the life of the author's father, James Henry Claridge (born 1862), whose own parents arrived in New Zealand in 1856 and later settled in Wanganui. Claridge owned, leased or worked on newspapers for most of his life. He later published "75 years in New Zealand", from which quotations are given.

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Living conditions in early days recalled (p. 9). Worked first on 'Wanganui Herald' (p. 11), then on a farm near Gisborne at Waerenga-a-tika. Was handyman and compositor on 'Hawera Star', rising to foreman printer. Stayed 17 years (p. 14). After a fire, new machinery used for driving machine was a horse (pp. 15-16). Banquet for Te Kooti (pp. 16-18). Te Whiti (pp. 19-21). With brother-in-law T.D. Taylor, started 'Eltham Argus' in 1897 (p. 22). Seddon and Old Age Pensions Act (pp. 25-27). Boer War (pp. 28-29). Leased 'Ohinemuri Gazette' in Paeroa (p. 33). Description of Paeroa (pp. 34-35). Description of Auckland (pp. 35-39). Moved to Ekatahuna, leased 'Ekatahuna Express' (p. 39). Saw first motorcar in Ekatahuna in 1902. Arrival was gala day, children had half-holiday (p. 41). Fire destroyed printing office (pp. 47-48). Acquired press and type and printed the 'Clarion', which ceased after two issues (p. 48). Went to Kimbolton, published 'Times' (p. 51). Life in Kimbolton. Owned one of the first "His Master's Voice" phonographs (pp. 52-60). Joe Powelka and the Powelka family (pp. 60-62). Went to Martinborough and started 'Star' (p. 63). Motoring (pp. 67-69). After about two years in Martinborough the 'Star' was sold, then Claridge moved to Taumarunui 1906 (p. 79). Description of train journey to Taumarunui (after p. 81). Newspaper started September 1906 (p. 83). Life in Taumarunui. "Show business in the new townships" (p. 98 onwards). Main Trunk railway (pp. 123-27).