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Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 83, 6 January 1928, Page 10

The following is an extract from ’'The Children’s Newspaper" (London) of recent date Though New Zealand in only about twice the size of England, and has very considerable areas prosperously oe- ■ cupled. there are districts in it that have never been adequately surveyed. One of the less well-known parts is the provincial district of Nelson, in the northwest of the South Island. There an area of some 10,000 square miles contains a population of about 50,000. Much of it is mountainous, and has yet to be adequately surveyed. From the midst of its mountains the C.N. has. from time to time, had letters written by one of the loneliest of its pioneers, Mr. H. F. Chaffey, of Asbestos Cottage, Upper Takaka, Nelson, and our mention of him and his work, he writes, has brought him welcome letters from far distant parts of the world. In his last letter he tefls how he continues to search for minerals, sending specimens of many kinds to be tested and reported on by the authorities. From the Government Mines Department he receives valuable assistance. His collections include specimens of the plant life of the distinct; he observes and records the local animal, and bird life: and he describes for the readers of the New Zealand Press the scenic charms ot his surroundings. He and his wife remain in their mountain home all the year round. Occasionally adventurous prospectors join him and are assisted by him, and sometimes holiday-makers appear. At the New Year, he says, five girls and three men came and stayed for several days. Before that Mrs. Chaffey had not seen one of her sex for four years. This fine specimen of the pioneers who open up lands hitherto unknown is now fifty-nine, and still. does not pion to contemplate any slowing down of his efforts to add another area to the rance of human conquest. In our friend Mr. Chaffey we give our readers a glimpse of the true spirit of adventure which has built un the Empire and is sustaining it in the face of danger and adversity.