SOUTH WESTLAND SETTLERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15788, 12 June 1913, Page 8

SOUTH WESTLAND SETTLERS

A SERIOUS POSITION.

LACK OF STEAMER COMMUNICATION.. IFeom Odb Own Cobiespondehi.) HOKITIKA, June 11. At the meeting of the Westland County Council yesterday the question of a Soutll Westland steamer service was discussed at some length. Mr J. tirimmond (chairman), who has just returned from a trip through the southern districts, stated that owing to the lack of facilities for the set-tiers to obtain their provisions they would either have to clear out from the district or starve. It was an extraordinary state of affairs, and he declared that it was about three months since a vessel had landed goods at Jackson's Bay. Even when the requirements were landed at that point it was necessary for the residents to convey them across two rivers, and other difficulties had to be contended against. He felt sure that the Government could not realise the seriousness of the position, as in a great many cases the settlers had run out of provisions. Those living at Okura and Tumbull settlements especially were in a verv bad way.

Mr Ferguson eaid that matters in South Westjand were becoming alarming. It was not that the Government (lid not know of the existing state of affairs, as he had told more than one of the Ministers of the present Cabinet of the circumstances. The Government had dispensed with the services o! the harbourmaster at Okarito, and the people there could sink or swim. When it was remembered that the settlers had slaved for years in hewing out their homes it was not right treatments The roads were in a dilapidated condition, and it was only the other day that a dray had broken down close to his place. Fortunately he was able to lend his on the occasion, and the broken vehicle had to be returned to Hokitika. for repairs. It was very hard and unjust that such a state of things should be allowed to continue, and Ije heartily endorsed the references of the chairman. Something should be done to accommodate the people in their present disadvantages. The Government was communicated with to-day, rind the Hon. Mr Fisher replied at once, offering to subsidise one trip of the boat to the extent of £50. A meeting of the company interested in the purchase of a small steamer to work the South Westland trade was- held this evening, when several offers of boats were made, and are under consideration. The formation of the' shipping company is the outcome of the Minister of Marine's reply to a local deputation's request for a subsidy that the Government was prepared to help those who helped themselves. The company has a subscribed captial of £5000, and "has made arrangements for the immediate inspection of an auxiliary steamer. It is hoped that the boat will l>e available at once for the southern trade and will serve the purpose until a boat of special design for the use in and out of bar harbours is builj,.