OFFICIAL REPORT.

Southland Times, Issue 613, 2 January 1867, Page 2

OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following report has been handed to us for publication : — Police Department, Invercargill, Dec. 25th, 1866. Sib, — I have to report for your Honor's information, that in consequence of rumors having recently reached me to the effect that all sorts of crime have been committed in Stewart's Island. I proceeded three on the 23rd inst. Having arrived there at 3 o'clock the following morning, I lost no time in visiting the most important and populous places, viz : — Port William, Half Moon Bay, the Neck, Patterson's Inlet, &c. So far as I could ascertain, the population has not increased very much during the last two years, although a few new arrivals have settled down within the last year or so, yet the stoppage of the sawmills has thrown many persons out of work, and some of them have left the Island ; thus in my opinion the population is very little more than what it was when the census wat taken in December, 1864. I regret to say that a state of lawlessness has existed on the island, and some few cases of crime have been committed with impunity — particularly that of

stealing goods saved from wrecks — which no doubt would have been prevented, had police been there. 4 I would respectfully state that I think the time has arrived when a police station ought to be formed on the island. It can be done economically : thus — a sergeant of police would be sufficient, with a small contingency allowed to employ boatmen (if necessary) in times of emergency; possibly a boat might be spared from the Harbor Department; and the barracks at Stanley taken down and re- erected at Port William, and in conveying timber of it across the Strait, the pilot cutter might be employed with advantage. The reason I mention Port William as the place for the station is, that it is well known, a port that affords excellent refuge to shipping in bad weather, and masters of vessels frequently take advantage of it — besides as the island becomes more populous it is likely to be the most important place. My official visit to the island has given me an opportunity of informing your Honor that the prevailing impression about the great difficulties which have to he surmounted there before settlement can be effected, and the land clear for cultivation, are being gradually dispelled j — and to look at settlemement in a practical sense. I would direct attention to the Germans in Half Moon Bay. These people are only located there since last September twelvemonths, and now they have good sized gardens with peas, beans, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, rye, &c, &c, all in the highest state of cultivation, and quite equal, if not surpassing anything of the kind on the main land. This, together with their neat and substantial cottages, and well kept flower beds is a fair sample of how comfortable settlers can make themselves upon the island with a little industry and moderate means. I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, T. E7 Weldon. Commissioner of Police. His Honor the Superintendent of Invercargill.