STEWART'S ISLAND SPECIAL SETTLEMENT.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 19, Issue 1275, 16 March 1872, Page 2

STEWART'S ISLAND SPECIAL SETTLEMENT.

The Southland Times reporter, after describing the passage of the Wallace from the Bluff to Stewart's Island, which was a very rough one, writes :

Viewed from a distance, the contour of the Island presents all the appearance of a weather-beaten peak rising abruptly from the jaws of the deep. In contra-distinction to the ofttold adage —that "distance lends enchantment to the view"—it is a close inspection that brings out the finer traits of its character. A son of Gael, a lineal descendant of Callum Moore, gave it as his opinion that Port Williamwas a second edition of the entrance to Oban, on the west coast of Scotland. One of Saxon extraction found features in the landscape forcibly reminding him of some favored spot in the South of England. Another, of the tribe of" the O'Malleys, looked at Paterson's Inlet, and became sentimental about Dublin Bay. A fourth perfected his ciaims to social distinction by making, similar allusions to the south of France, so that each apeared to view the scene admiringly, although from different points. It cannot be denied that so far as the panoramic view is concerned Stewart's Island at this place abounds in all those fine features usually associated with the picturesque in nature. The entire coast from Port William to Saddle Point is bold but not precipitous. The back country seems to rise with a gradual slope up towards the summit of Mount Anglem, and appears as far as the eye can distinguish to be thickly covered with bush. The coast line in various place*- tapers off into spurs, but from the appearance of the country as seen through the recesses thus formed it is very doubtful indeed if any great extent of level land exists. The rocks and promontories scattered along the beach form all manner of fantastic shapes, many of them bearing startlmsj resemblance to

the outworks of a fortification. The timber-upon the skirts of the bush is poor in growth and inferior in quality. In fact its claims are only a shade higher than that of the scrub. Further inland it is said to improve, but from the situation of the bush at this particular place it is very questionable indeed if at any place it is quite equal to that of the average growths on the mainland. These remarks apply exclusively to the stretch of country known as the Saddle, and which terminates at the entrance to Port William. In the neighborhood of Patterson's Inlet the country becomes flatter, at all events more undulating, and the chances are that some good agricultural land will be opened in the vicinity. That opinion is borne out by Dr Hector, who states that, generally speaking, on scrambling through the first belt of scrub, a sharp rise of 60 feet brings one on to a comparatively level tract of forest land. The inlet is upwards of 30 mile:; long, and at one time two extensive saw mills were established in the neighborhood. Besides a neck of land jutting out for a considerable distance into the sea, its mouth is studded over with small islands, so that the inlet itself becomes completely laud locked. Considerable patches of ground have been cleared, and some substantial-looking domiciles and steadings erected. The proceeded only a very short distance of the as far as the fishing station recently erected on one of the afore mentioned islands. This establishment is situated in a well-sheltered nook. The denizens of the station were hailed by tho-e on board. They returned the salute by waving the steamer to a convenient anchorage. The directions were followed, but after reaching the place indicated, for some reason or another, those on board did not think fit topuilup, and the steamer put about and returned to Halfmoonßay. Arriving there the anchor was dropped opposite what is knov n as the Germans' settlement, and the passengers landed to get a i arable about the place. The ground at the Germans' settlement is remarkably well cultivated. The fruit, flowers, vegetables and crops generally aie most luxuriant. Capt. Harrold's well-known tishing station is situated more towards the entrance of the bay, ami thai of Mr Scully at the extreme head. The latter is. at present engaged building a craft*

to be fitted up with a well for the conveyance of live oysters to the mainland. The keel, which is 42 feet long, has been laid, and a few ribs bent. Rata, or iron wood, which is plentiful in the neighborhood, is being used for the framework. The pine, likewise plentiful on the island, is to be used for the planking. The beaches both of this and the other bays carry a heavy deposit of black sand. Mr Scully and his neighbors had an interview with the Superintendent on board the Wallace relative to the tenure of their holdings, which is understood to have been mutually satisfactory. An effort is likewise being made to get a school for the island, Halfmoon Bay being spoken of as the proposed site. At 6 o'clock p.m. the steamer dropped anchor in Port William. After the evening meal had been discussed, the passengers set out to enjoy themselves in accordance with I heir own tastes and predilections. The majority went ashore to examine the place, while others went out in the boat to fish. The scientific members of the party set to work eagerly. Judging from the amount of rock chipping and fossil gathering that went on, we should fancy that this is destined to become an interesting feature of the expedition. We may here add we have since ascertained that it has been definitely fixed that the first special settlement in Stewart's Island is to be planted in Port William, from which it is expected that in course of time the settleis themselves will radiate to other parts of the island.