AN OLD COLONIAL AT HOME

Evening Star, Issue 2998, 27 September 1872, Page 2

AN OLD COLONIAL AT HOME

From the Zetland Times of July 1, we learn that Mr Thomas Birch hj is been lecturing in the north of .Scotland on “ New Zealand as a field for emigration. ” On June 10, Mr Birch lectured at Lerwick, to a very large attendance, the hall being completely filled notwithstanding the wet nature of the weather. Mr Birch is reported to have said that he was commissioned by the Government of New Zealand to visit Shetland for the purpose of inducing them to emigrate to that Colony. To many, he believed, it would be a means of bettering their position, while to others again it would be a God send. It had been stated that if New Zealand were as near to Great Britain as America, many who at present emigrate to the latter country, would go there ; but if New Zealand were

bo it not have been New Zealand at al]« There was a great difference between and America ; and it was for inducing them to emigrate to the former Colony, that he had come there. The Government of New Zealand were making arrangements for forming a settlement of fishermen and others at Stewart’s Island, which he knew was specially adapted for settlement, as he had visited it. The projected settlement was very suitable for Shetlanders or Northmen, who could handle a boat and depend on the harvest of the sea for their livelihood. There was a consider* able quantity of Land available; and both coal and limestone existed injthe district. It was almost incredible that such an extent of country had not long ago been taken up ; but it was better for the future prosperity of the Colony that it had been reserved for free grants. To many Hybrideans, who had to fight with the stormy Atlantic, and the difficulties of a climate which would hardly ripen grain, it would be a great blessing. Before long the Government trusted there would be settled along the shores of the island some hundreds of frugal and industrious Shetlanders, who would transform the land into pleasant homesteads. It was to that island he wished them to emigrate. The Government were contemplating some scheme by which families who could not at present raise the necessary money might get i out. They offered pa c sages to married couples by their paying on account LI, and giving promissory notes for the balance; single men by paying L 8 in full of all demands, would receive a passage, or if not, paying promissory notes for balance, would be entitled to a passage ; single women from the age of 15 to 35, wou'd not be required to pay in advance, but they were required to give a promissory note for L 5, to be paid iu the Colony, in four instalments of 25s each. If he could get from 200 to 300 young women he would make it his duty to go along with them to London, and see them put on board a vessel for New Zealand. At present they were obliged to go to Germany for shiploads of emigrants to carry out the public works now in course of construction in New Zealand. Mr Birch afterwards gave an elaborate historical and descriptive account of the two islands ; and concluded an interesting lecture amid great applause. Bailie Robertson, who presided, said he was sure the meeting would concur with him in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Birch for the valuable information he had given them, and he trusted they would' not forget the facts communicated.