THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4128, 13 June 1874, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS EXPEDITION.

Writing of Dr. Monckton’s enterprising expedition to the Auckland . Islands, with a view to their settlement, the Riverton WesternStar says ;—The settlement of the Auckland Islands under Dr. Monckton’s scheme has ceased to be a problem upon which to hang opinion and prophecies. It is now an accomplished fact that the beautiful schoouer Mabel Jane, belonging to the enterprising projector, has started for her destination, under the charge of Captain Welch, a well-known and skilled navigator. She carries a number of station hands, including one married couple ; also a young bull and a selection of heifers, a few thousand feet of timber, aud a large assortment of stores, tools, and implements. No expense has been spared in fitting out the vessel in the most complete manner, a?id she carries, besides her own boat, two kauri-built copper-fastened boats to bo left at the settlement. If the weather proves favorable, wc understand she is to Vie kept constantly running between the Auckland** aud this port for many mouths to come, for the conveyance of stock and stores. Sonic think a portion of the current outlay will be covered by profits accruing from the seals with which those islands abound. We trust it will be so, for tho unflinching manner in which the lessee has overcome apparently insurmountable obstacles has commanded the respect of even the croakers, and the good wishes of all. Dr. Monckton. had commenced his arrangements for establishing a pigeon post by procuring some young carriers, and it is with great regret that we learn from some unknown cause they died soon after their arrival. He has since written for more, and when his plan is perfected, it will not be our least pleasurable excitement to receive a mail from ouv friends in tlie islands. Tlie friends of the parties engaged in tho expedition assembled on board on Thursday evening, partook of a parting glass, aud remained till tlie vgyscl reached the bar, where she anchored for tlio night; and on their leaving, such cheers as were never heard before on the Aparima river were given for Dr. Monckton aud his fellow-voyagers. The Mabel Jane sailed for tlio Auckland Islands yesterday morning. Mr. Kenneth Mclvor and Mr. Scott accompanied the expedition.