THE KERMADECS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8792, 30 April 1890, Page 2

THE KERMADECS.

(Pub United Pbkss Association.!

Auckland, April 29.

The leaders of tho abandoned Kermadec settlement, Messrs Hovell and Curve, still remain on Sunday Island. The former was desirous of leaving, but was obliged to stay because of the delicate state of Mrs Hovell's health. In addition to their scanty crops of pumpkins, kumeras, and beans, the settlers had laid in a large supply of mutton birds for the winter. Fish are plentiful during the summer, but the dangerous high seas prevent any being caught during the winter. Three of the settlers, Mr and Mrs Bacon and son, having found that Deoharn Bay was quite unsuitable for cultivation, havo leased a portiou of land from Mr Bell, whose run is at the other end of the island, and is good rich land with a funny aspect. Three others—Taylor, Lord, and Au.drews —also shifted their abode from the bay to the centre of the mountain, where there is some good soil. When ib was found that the supplies were running short—in fact only about Icwt of flour and a small quantity of tea and sugar was remaining at the time of the Hiucmoa's arrival— Mr John Bell most generously placed the con-: tents of his plantation at the disposal of the settlers. The returned settlers say they are heartily sorry that they ever went to Sunday Island.

(Peom Oue Own Correspondent.)

Auckland, April 29.

Mr Stratford, a Kermadec Island settler, denies that the settlement is a failure. He says some of the returned settlers had not the requisite six mouths' stores, and had nofc the practical experience required of pioneer settlers, aud started the planting season too late to gefc tbeir crops harvested before the rats' period of hybernation was over. He says the settlement is nofc a failure, as it has never had a fair trial. He intends to remain on the island.