MISSING SETTLERS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2998, 13 February 1926, Page 2

MISSING SETTLERS

SUGGESTED SEARCH BY WARSHIP. Hokitika, Yesterday. In connection with the missing men at Martin’s Bay an Okuru correspondent advisees no information whatever available regarding the McKenzie brothers. It is customary l'or them to be absent months at a time without reporting themselves. The Hon. H L. Michel, M.L.C., has telegraphed to Minister of Marine, suggesting that the Department dispel ch a warship to the Sounds to ;issisl iii the search for the missing men. A sister of the McKenzies resides here.

The country in the vicinity of Ellin Bay is as yet little known, and vast areas of it have never been explored. The mountains rise .-deeply from the sea, the amount of Hat land being comparatively small. The only practicable means of inlel is by the sea, but there is also a rough cattle track through to Central Otago. The whole of ihe country is densely wooden with a thick undergrowth, and it is only in the vicinity of McKenzie brothers’ homestead that there is any clear ground at all. Various streams How down the mountain gullies, and these are all treacherous, the waters rising quickly through rain or snow melting.

The MacKenzic brothers have earned a wonderful reputation for hospitality and those who have walked through the country up to Westland have always been made verv welcome at the homestead.