THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 440, 21 January 1857, Page 7

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

We have received the following interesting particulars ralative to the Falkland Islands from one of the Officers of H.H. Surveying Vessel Pandora, and as the facts communicated are of much importance, to homeward bound ships, we are happy to give them publicity. The letter has experienced some extraordinary detention, for although bearing date the 29th May it only reached yesterday the gentleman to whom it was addressed. "According to promise I will "endeavour to give you a few words about the Falkland Islands. Since your day the seat of Government has been removed to Stanley Harbour S. side of Port William. It is not very far from the old site, being only the next island South of Port Berkley, b,ut as Port William is only 4 miles deep, it is more easily accessible than Port Berkley which is 12, moreover the prevailing wimi blows athwart the entrance to Stanley Harbour, so that vessels may sail through almost any day, while "at Port Louis the entrance lay in the direc- '. tion of the wind, it w.is therefore difficult of access.

The present Governor, Capt. T. E. L. Moore, R.N.,who has only been there since last November, is a straightforward, honest man, anxious to do everything to improve the place: the other two (his predecessors).Moodie and ftennie appear to have been most extraordinary geniuses, the latter in particular, his great object appearing to have been if possible to annihilate the Falkland Island Company. Jealously was probably the cause of tills ; the Company's agent employing most of the people, had of course most influence. l'he present Governor appears to have none of this petty jealousy, but is rendering all the assistance he can to the Company's agent Mr. T. Havers. Already I am told there is a great improvement in many ways, and as Mr. Havers is a most energetic, talented man, I have no doubt there will be still farther improvements. The population of Stanley is about 300, and 100 more are scattered throughout the Islam!«. Thirty of the Stanley people are pensioners; how differently situated to the happy pensioners in New Zealand. Looking at their bleak gardens, and thinking of their bare pensions, we could not but draw invidious comparisons. The principal value of the Falklands for many years will be as a place of refreshment or refit for. passing vessels, and this it bids fair to become, as its advantages are better known." Already vegetables, meat, water, &c, may be obtained in quantities. A vessel disabled might also, even now, obtain valuable assistance in the shape of rope, canvass, and spars, as these articles aie kept on hand, but only at present to a limited extent; but as the demand increases sowill the supply. To vessels from New Zealand and Australia, the Falklands must always be a consideration, indeed I think any Captain who keeps his people more thanso days at sea should be tried under Martin's Act. There is a lighthouse, fixed light, visible 12 miles, on Cape 'Pembroke, the South entrance of Port William; from here a vessel may beat up to the harbour in 3 hours, and a pilot is always in attendance; fees £2 in and £1 out, no port dues; water running in ,your beat for Is. 6d. per ton ; fuel dear, no wood growing on the Islands. The cattle on the east island (there are only a few on "the west Falkland) have been vaiiously estimated at from 15,000 to 50,000; the Company which receives its chatter, finally in '385S (I think) if it can prove the possession of 20,000 will do this, buj; it is not supposed they will greatly exceed mat number. The Tussock prass is quite "one as a staple, the cattle wasting large quantities to get at the root, it is now almost unbroken übont their feeding districts. Our trip home l\as been a very pleasant one, without any bad weather, occupying only 92 se;^

days between land and lantTXEasf Cape and Lizard), we were six days at the Falklamls and one at Fayal (where we heard of the Peace) ; the 29th inst, ; is set apart for general rejoicing, iafact, most thinking people begin to see that .war is a losing game for both sWes.—• New Zealander '