STEWADT'S ISLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 848, 9 September 1864, Page 6

STEWADT'S ISLAND.

(To the Editor of the Daily Times.) Sik—Your readers now and then, see in the papers that such and such a craft has arrived from Stewart's Islau'd with timber, but beyond the fact of its being a fine wooded country, little is known of the island or its inhabitants. Permit me to enlighten the world at large as to what we can do, by inserting i» your widely circulated columns an account of the rejoicings here on the 10th inst. The occasion of ibis was the launch from the yards adjoining Mj-Bullock's,oM mill a flae three-masted schooner of 159 tons register.' Bhe is 110 feet long, beam 26 feefc, and depth of hold 9 feet. She was built by Mr vV. M Thee, this being the second he has constructed for the same firm. Her launch was the scene of great excitement in-Patterson's Inlet. At an early hour, boat after boat arrived, loaded with people, ready to make merry and drink success to the craft. The fair sex was not forgotten, for ea*h boat had its fair share of them, Maoris, half castes, and •whites, old and young, which not a little added to the festive nature of the scene. By about 12 o'clock am., high water, all were assembled around the vessel to witness the christening. This duty was ably performed by Mrs Tonge, wile of Captain Tonge, in the same employ. She threw the bottle in good style, and crying '' Success to the John bullock," the dog-shores were knocked away, and the vessel glided down the ways into her future element, amid the enchusiastic cheers of the assembled throng. Refreshments, in the shape of a substantial dinner, were liberally provided for allcomers b> the firm, which engaged the attention of all for some time, till the inspiring strains of a violin called forth many an essay on the light fantastic toe-light but in name, if the trembling of the floor was any criterion. Nor were the thirsty souls forgotten, as a publican, taking advantage of the occasion, came with a boat load of grog and bser, doing so food a trade that many the next morning wished c had stayed away. The company did not separate till evening closed in, all going- to their homes well pleased with their day's amusement. It will form an important epoch in the annals of Stewart's Island, and the theme ot many a conversation bj those who witnessed it along with Your humble servant, Srewartfs Island, Kaipipi.