The papers compiled by Fran Clarkson include photocopies of an 1873 letter from Donald Mackay in Scotland? to his son Murdo in Canterbury, sent care of Messrs Rhodes and Wilkins, St. Leonards, Hurunui?

Also inclues a press article about the sailing ship Rangitikei's 1879 voyage to Lyttelton which describes the appointment of Mr. George H. Fuller, one of the passengers, as schoolmaster on the voyage out. It also contains his account of the voyage, and a list of the passengers.