A PAGE OF HISTORY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19008, 2 November 1923, Page 4

A PAGE OF HISTORY.

ITALIAN SETTLEMENT. HOW DELUDED EMIGRANTS PROSPERED. (Fkom Oub Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, October 24. The deaths of two Italian patriarchs on tho Richmond River,- which flows through the fertile north coast of New South Wales, ha s recalled one of the most interesting incidents in the settlement of the fctate. New Italy, where Mr Antonio Morandi and Mr Antonio Felicietti have died, is a remarkable demonstration of how grit and determination can overcome the greatest hardships and disappointments that can afflict ttioso who have abandoned their homes and crossed the world in search of livelihood and independence. Of all the brave little group of settlers who founded it, none has left more honoured memory than Mr Morendi, who was one of the few surviving original settlers, nor Mr Felicietti, who joined them within a few years of the original settlement. For the' most circumstantial account of how New Italy came to bo founded one must turn to “New Italy,’’ by Clifford—a work of 1888. Therein it is described how, in January, 1879, Charles du Breil, Marquis de Ray, founded a- scheme for the colonisation of “New Franco, the free colony of Port Breton, in Oceania,” to settle upon New Ireland, an island about 350 miles north-east of Now Guinea. The climate and fertility of the soil were pictured in glowing colours, blouses and land were offered to the Italian emigrants on very favourable terms, the “India” was chartered, and in July, 1880, nearly 300 left for tho paradise that was offered. On the voyage, partly owing to the severity of the cTTmato, but more especially to the wretchedly bad condition of tie provisions shipped, 48 deaths took place. On arrival at Port Breton in October, 1880, it was found that no preparation had been made in the way of dwellings, and the heac was frightful. Food ran short, and the utmost maladministration prevailed. The India was used as a boarding house for four months, when at length the disgusted and unhappy people prevailed upon the captain to land them in New South Wales. The India left Port Breton in February, 1881, but through stress of weather and want of provisions had to put into Noumea, Now Caledonia, where the French condemned her as unseaworthy and ordered her to be sold. The immigrants refused to stay in New Caledonia, stating that there were only criminals there, and (he French Government provided them with passages to Sydney at a cost of £3 each, taking a bill of sale over the condemned vesel and cargo as security. In April, 1881, they were received very kindly by the Government and people of New South Wales, and liberal subscriptions and offers of assistance were received. One of the party proceeded to Woodhurn, on the then littleJcnovra Richmond River, and selected 42 acres of what was regarded as waste scrub land. Others selected about Raymond Terrace and elsewhere. But the reports from Rosea Comminitti from Woodlnrn were so encouraging that a /lumber followed him, and soon the whole of the original party established themselves in the colony ever since known as Now Italy, and by 1885 they had become an industrious and thriving communal cOlonv with their own priest and doctor. In their skill in vino growing and other forms of agriculture ano in iheir example of selwfelplul contentment they have since continued to be an 01-jec? lesson often quoted throughout that part of the State, and to-day the few survivors of the original party are revered us patriarchs, and honoured with almost Old lestament regard by their descendants.