CHATHAM ISLAND NOTES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17329, 18 November 1916, Page 5

CHATHAM ISLAND NOTES.

(Fuom Ora Cofbespondent.] WAITANGI, November 8. The weather for tho month of October has been exceedingly changeable and boisterous. On October 22 it reached its limit, a severe southerly storm raging. Several wool sheds were blown down which greatly inconvenienced the owners in time and expense as they were just on the eve of shearing. Several launches were dragged from their moorings a.t Wnitangi and one was smashed up on the beach, aud trees were blown clown everywhere. Four recruits have been called since the last, trip of the mail steamer. Their names are as follows: —H. Murphy. R. Mitchell, T. M’Clurg and T. Riwart. On Monday evening, November 3, a farewell social was given them and presentations wore made to each.

The farmers are now in the midst of shearing. The weather has hindered them a good deal. In many cases the shearing has dragged into weeks where seven or eight days would have sufficed in good weather. The local doctor returned after four months’ holiday to find four . rather serious cases awaiting him. A launch was waiting at Wnitangi ns soon as ho arrived to convey him to Pitt Island to a patient there. One death has occurred since, a child. The three other patients are in a critical condition. They are all Maoris. On November 11 a meeting of shippers was held at AVnitnngi to arrange about n steamer to convey the wool and sheep to Lyttelton. Mr Zohrab represented the Chatham Tslnnd Fishing Company. It appears that it wrAild he rather difficult to obtain a Union Company boat at the present time, as the islanders wished to do, owing to the new regulations .with regard to that company.' It is probable that the shippers will have to continue to ship by the Himitnngi at higher freights. The Owotiga fishing station is about to close down until after the New’ Year.