HEREKINO IN WINTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 172, 23 July 1890, Page 8

HEREKINO IN WINTER.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Banishment used to be accounted a punishment heavy enough for the most serious offences known to the Old World ; it -is only tbe "pleasant alternative to starvation " which land monopoly offers to its victims in the New.

Under the present regime we have seen the pick of our population banished to other lands; some few less fortunate aro banished to Herekino, where in an almost untrodden wilderness, separated from their fellow creatures by many miles of dosolate tracks, practically impassable for months ab this season, they aro desperabely striving to supporb themselves amidst trials and sufferings such as make a convieb'a lob look cheerful by comparison. The women and children especially are suffering for wanb of boots and clothing. I am told by a recent visitor to the foflorn settlement that for the children a flour bag isof ten the principalarbicle of clothing, while boobs will soon bo unknown except by tradition. Blankets, boo, are scarce in Herekino. The small remnant of tho original settlers have struggled bravely, and it is hoped that another year will render their position a little more bearable, bub any who sympathise with their privations would greatly alleviate them by contributions of cast-off clothing, blankets, etc.

Mr Boynton, of Fort-streeb, who has already been insbrumenbal in rendering needed assistance, has kindly undertaken to receive any such contributions, and to see that they are rightly distributed.—l am, etc., Cms.