THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

North Otago Times, Volume VI, Issue 119, 31 May 1866, Page 3

THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

The following particulars, contributed to a contemporary, will bo found of interest : — I may as well add the census, which Mr Shand haa taken with great care. European population (including 14 of the guard and on© officer) men 62, women 21, children 46; total 132 — being an enormous increase since March 1st, 1865. Maori population — men 163, women 141, children 90 ; total 397. This includes 12 Native guards, and notwithstanding many Maorios have come here rrom New Zealand, is a decrease of nearly 20 since March. Moriori poppulation — men 93, women 48, children 5 : total 116 being a decrease of six within the lasktwelve months. The climate, although snow is a rarity, is very cold and damp in winter, an immense amount of rain falling from April *o July. The soil is good, though in many parts swampy to a degree. The whole of the islands have been taken tip by Europeans within the last few months, with the intention of sheep farming, and what we want now is a Laud Commissioner to be sent here to settle the titles of the Maoris among themselves. In fact, we want the Chatham Island question, which was brought before the Assembly by Mr Acland during the last session, to be settled, so that we may know how we are situated.