CHATHAM ISLAND NOTES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18407, 13 June 1925, Page 8

CHATHAM ISLAND NOTES.

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WAITANGI, June 4,

Our quiet community has been very much stirred by a tragedy in our midst. Ivnka Davis, a young Maori lad, aged 20, residing at Manakau, shot himself on Sunday, May 24th. On the Friday, the young man, apparently quite normal, was at a dance at Te One, 16 miles away. Saturday ho spent in WaitangL On the Sunday morning he returned as far as Owenga, three miles from his home. He was in depressed spirits, but none of his companions took heed of his threats to destroy a young girl and himself. Later the girl, her sister, and a youth of about 1G were riding along the Owenga beach when Nuku raced after them and, still on horseback, called to them to watch. Ho placed his chin over the muzzle of his gun and pulled the An enquiry into the circumstances causing his temporary insanity is pending. Tho two girls are suffering very badly from shock, as only by one sister's pleading was the life of the other spared by the frantic youth. On. Wednesday, May 27th, the tangi, which was largely attended, was held at the homo of Mr Solomon at Manakau, where he was buried. The Hev. A. L. Canter, assisted by Mr Paniora, conducted a service at the graveside. It seems that at last one goal aimed at on the Chat hams-is to be reached. In several conspicuous places on the Island an imposing notice states that on Saturday, June 27th, a poll will be taken to elect ten councillors to the newly-con-stituted Chatham Islands County Council. There will be one polling-booth, the club-room at Waitangi, and a copy of the electors' roll may be inspected at various places. Notice is also given that nominations of candidates must be delivered by noon on Thursday, June 18th. Two councillors for each of the five ridings are required. In April, when our mail-boat,, the Tees, left us, wc settled down to a quiet, uneventful three months -until her return in July. But this year pleasant has been our surprise to receive two mails during that time. These have been brought by the Awarua, a trawler purchased by tho Fishing Company, Whilo in these waters the Awarua herself floes some fishing, although she holds a trawler's license, the waters are too deep for trawling, and the inon aboard fisli for the plentiful and luscious blue cod with line. Tho fact that her tonnage is much less than the Rama means more trips to New Zealand to carry the company's fish, hence more mails— She will return immediately on arrival at New' Zealand, and will carry mails, but no passengers. Blue cod is, plentiful and always in demand. This year weather has been favourable for fishing, but many of the fishing launches aro not fully manned, and several are lying idle on the beach for want of fishermen. After the wreck of the Rama, rumours of tho collapse of the Fishing Company caused many of tho men to return to New Zealand. The company, with its steamer service and .works at Owenga and Eaingaroa, could easjjy copo with the catch of twelve launches. Only six aro at present actively employed.

Tho Island abounds in swans and ducks. Indeed, swans and their eggs are among our staple foods. On the Chathams there is no limit to the bag of ducks. This season birds are very plentiful and in good condition, and at the present time are gracing the tables of every homo and hut. Our men are votj practised with gun and rifle, and some splendid exhibitions of marksmanship are to be seen on the rifle range. On Saturday, May 16th, the annual; rifle match betweon the returned soldiers and civilians was held, the returned soldiers winning by the small margin of five points.