CASE OF HARDSHIP AT PENROSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9461, 4 September 1889, Page 5

CASE OF HARDSHIP AT PENROSE.

OcEOtabubn correspondent write* :—I am credibly informed as to a case of hardship which presents some peculiar features, and which has reached a stage that -might be espected to evoke further enquiry and perhaps some practical sympathy. Twelve or fourteen years ago, a certain Mrs. Mun either left or was driven from an unhappy home, and took refuge in a cave on the Government scoria land reserve nenr Penrose station, and there'sho ha 3 remained and maintained herself ever rince, liviug in some measure the life of a hermit. Naturally of an independent disposition, honest, industrious, and indefatigable, she bravely struggled along, performing little by little work that has surprised many a one who has pocked by, and to whom has been pointed out a rude cottage, garden, and stone fences, almost entirely the result of the soman's undivided labour. By degrees Miic poultry was reared, and then a cow was added, and of late years a little stock v.aa together, and each one of these was carcvully named, herded, and attended to. Occasionally employment was found in the village, and thus month by month went by and thus a lonely life was spent rather than seek for, much less depend upon, charity. A week or two ago the woman wis laid up with rheumatism, and her cattle strayed on the road, and were impounded by the Mount Wellington ranger. When this bocame known a good-hearted young fellow rode over to the pound and released and restored the cattle. Since then the cattle have been sent into the market, as their friend and owner has been unable to attend to them, and was afraid they might he !,'ain impounded, and she herself now liea Dearly, helpless on a bed of sickness ; and although not entirely without aid, it is to be hoped that if the facts of the eaae are made known, something will surely be dono to ameliorate the surrounding,:! of one whoso lot seems to have been a hard one, find yet bus borne it unflinchingly and without complaint almost to the end.