LIFE IN THE FAR NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9139, 22 August 1888, Page 6

LIFE IN THE FAR NORTH.

[by an investigator.] It may be interesting to some of your readers to learn something of the conditions of settler life in the North of New Zealand. The part to which I shall chiefly refer is Mangonui County—Kaitaia district more especially—in which there is still a quantity of land open for selection under the different systems by which land is obtained from the New Zealand Government, and also a considerable area open to purchase from private persons and the Church Missionary Society. To establish a farm upon virgin land is by no means an easy task, even with the aid of a moderate amount of capital; but, when a man attempts it depending solely upon what he can earn to support him while doing so, it becomes in these parts, for reasons which I shall proceed to explain, severe uphill work, and were it not for the kauri gum industry would, in many instances, be utterly impossible. One of the disadvantages under which settlers here labour is the difficulty of getting produce to a market and stores therefrom in return. This difficulty lies chiefly in the unmetalled state of the roads, but, with time, and the increase of population, we may reasonably expect that this difficulty will be gradually overcome, though much might be done now, were the spirit of co-operation existing amongst the people. Another drawback lies in the fact that there is proportionately a very email amount) of capital

circulating in the district, and that the greater portion of the wealth which is annually produced is sent to Auckland for the purchase of flour stores. The erection of a flourmill her® would be of immense benefit to the settlers. As might be expected in a community where nearly all are by necessity workers, and where so little money is in circulation, competition for the various Kinds of work, when ready cash may be earned, is very keen, and sometimes much recrimination and unneighbourly feeling is produced in consequence thereof. One effect of this may be noticed in the business relation- 1 ships of the average settler, into whose heart sharpness and suspiciousness seem ingrained, as by second nature. Owing to the limited funds in the possession of the settlers, the few storekeepers here enjoy a practical monopoly, and stores are at a considerable advance upon Auckland prices; but, as house rent, coal, green--grocery, milk, and meat bills are unknown to those who have a garden, milk a few cows, keep sheep, and have horses to haul firewood, &c., with, these advantages must be weighed against the drawbacks. Life here is calculated to test to the utmost the strongest natures, and develop individuality in a remarkable degree. A man must be as good as his word, or m these sparsely-populated parts it will soon be discovered. Here the importance of the individual in public affairs is also much more clearly defined and recognised than it is in the towns. The gumdigger may be a county councillor, and any settler called upon to take his turn as school committeeman. If a poor man proposes to settle here, he must be prepared to turn his hand to any kind of work which offers, and often to travel 10, 15, or 20 miles to obtain it, and that generally under contract conditions. To be successful, he must be able to go into the bush and either saw or split timber to build his house. He must fell bush, fence, and drain, attend to the management of his stock, kill his own meat, %,nd raise garden and farm produce. Such conditions as these are well calculated to develop plain, practically-minded people, mainly interested in and concerned with the realities of life. The necessity for constant application to these matters, and the distances to be travelled to any meetings, leaves but little time for mental culture ; consequently conversation frequently descends to personalities, and in too many instances seldom rises above this level. This is also often manifested in the local reporting of newspaper correspondents, when motives are imputed which are nonexistent. A much-felt want lies in the absence of that regular moral and religious teaching which should always keep the advance in the rise and growth of any people. However, as example goes further than precept, there is scope in this direction for all who wish to influence for good their fellow-men. Hospitality is very noticeable, considering the circumstances of many of the settlers, and is deserving, of much commendation.

Social gatherings and light amusements of all kinds, especially dancing, are in great favour with the younger folk, and the settler, when " off duty," is a sight worth seeing. Small race meetings, especially to the native population, are sources of great excitement and demoralisation, and so profitable are they to their projectors (usually the storekeepers) that there is, upon an average, one held every two months in different parts of this district throughout the summer months. At such times, especially if intoxicating drinks have been sold, and they usually are, the strong undercurrent of ill-feeling which exists between the Maori and the pakeha prominently manifests itself. Contempt upon the part of the latter produces resentment and bad-feeling in the mind of the Maori, and but - little is needed to produce open rupture at such times. This was abundantly proved upon several occasions last summer, notably at the Ohora Races.

Great discretion is needed upon the part of the settler in dealing with his Maori neighbours. Undue familiarity causes undesired liberties to be taken, while coldness produces resentment, for the Maoris are sensitive, and like to be taken some notice of. They have also an innate yearning to imitate the superior vices of their more civilised brethren.

In conclusion, let me say a word concerning the capabilities of this district. Here there is to be found an extensive variety of soils, from cold clay to the finest alluvial fiats, open or bush clad, and all plentifully watered. The climate may be best described as sub-tropical, yet, owing to the close proximity of the ocean, refreshing breezes constantly spring up to temper the heat. All kinds oi sub-tropical fruits flourish luxuriantly, including bananas, oranges, lemons, and citrons, while the winter is never too severe for stock to remain out all the time, and grass makes a fresh start after the autumn rains fof their sustenance. With the increase of population and gradual development of the district, this will yet become one of the favoured spots of the earth, " where every prospect pleases." It is to be sincerely hoped that the succeeding line of the verse may never be true of this part, and that Burns' famous line, " Man's inhumanity to man," may yet receive a practical refutation in the Far North of New Zealand.