THE MACQUARIE ISLANDS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13652, 23 July 1906, Page 6

THE MACQUARIE ISLANDS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin,—A subject involving tho semi-slar-ralion, and possih'y tile lives, of eight men is one tlwt should not be treated in a flippant manner. Nor should it bo made a peg on which to hang silly tirades of abuse against, the laws of the country, or bo the medium of issuing challenges to debate in the Garrison Hall. In his eagerness to smother discussion, Mr Hatch has resorted ,to these pourilo tactics. No doubt he thinks it a clever thing to bo funny, but it is questionable if the men now on the llacquaries would appreciate bis wit.

Having no desire to parade niyself on a public platform, I decline the challenge of Mr Hatch's with the contempt it deserves, and prefer to use your columns while that privilege is allowed. Before going into the facts, let me remark that Mr Hatch is inconsstent, wlieh is nothing unusual. He states he is "not addicted to corresponding in papers." It is, at times, inconvenient to do so. But if he feels that way, why did he write you on the 18th inst., and why, oh why, did he unburden himself to your reporter to the extent he did, as published on June 14? But let us see. Going back into ancient history, it will be found on consulting your files from the Ist to 11th May, 1900, that Mr Hatch was involVed in a'similar predicameni to the one now existing. At that time ho and some of his family were most prolific correspondents, and failed ignominously in trying to throw mud at, myself. It was then my duty (as now) to direct attention to'the condition nf the men on tho island. Amongst other matters I suggested that the lessee of the island should be compelled to keep a reserve supply of provisions there for emergencies, and that the Government should exercise supervision over the quantity and quality of tho stores, and see that the men were visited periodically. You, Sir, endorsed these ideas in a leading article that appeared on 3rd May, 19C0. Apparently no notice has been lakon of these suggestions, and history is again repeating itself under tho continued, management of Mr Hatch.

Coming to the facts, it is on vccorrl thai a party of cght men (not three, as stated by -Air Hatnh) aro short of provisions on one of the bleakest and most desolate spois on earth. That is admitted by Air Hatch himself. The men have been there for nearly 11 months, and Mr Hatch sneers at'' those who give publicity to the outrage., and throws out a challenge to debate. Debate what? There is nothing to debate, except, perhaps, what the feelings of slow starvation aro like, and, not being a physiologist, I will leave that for Jlr Hatch to explain—on the platform. Apart from the men on the island, there n also to be considered the position of their dependents loft in New Zealand. From inquiries I have made, it appears that one of the men on (ho island lias ,1 wife and family living m Dmiodin An arrangement was mado when the men left New Zealand that this lady was to receive so much per week during her liusbanrTs absence. It is slated that those payments have not been maintained, as they should have been, and this lady has been compelled to apply to the Benevolent Trustees for relief, and only for the fact that her creditors have been lenient and forbearing the chances are she would bo without a roof to shelter her,

The abuse showered by Mr Hatch on lite late mtislor of the Jessie Niccol foi being unable to reach the island is ablj answered by him (Mr R. E. Ewen) in your columns this morning. He writes as ;i seaman, who knows his business, only can write, and floors Mr Hatch every time he hits. The statement that Mr 'Hatch made overtures to Mr Ewen with respect to a certain trade to be done in tho South Pacific, applies, if report bo true, to others also. Willi that, however, I have nothing to do. Tlio point is this: Those men are in distress. Mr Hatch is a pastmaster of the art of wriggling, but it is about timo lie. or someone else, tried to wrigglo the poor unfortunates out of their sad predicament on the island.—l am, etc., Duncdin, July 21. \V Belcher.