ROUND ABOUT THE BLUFF."

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 23

ROUND ABOUT THE BLUFF."

(By Oxtr Travelling Correspondent.)

From an ordinary settlement of a few years ago the Bluff has developed into a flourishing shipping town, and from all appearances the near future and the rising generation will see a -densely populated town on the face of the Campbelltown Hill. By name the port of Southland is known throughout the length and breadth of the colony. The vast majority of Southland people have doubtless spent a few hours at this favourite seaside resort; but few there are who fully realise the pleasure obtainable from a short sojourn at the edge of the briny. If Nature intended the foreshore for a parading ground, she left the task unfinished. The much-desired beach is not there, while stones and boulders of all dimensions line the water's edge and prevent plea-sure-seekers from enjoying the gentle breeze as may be done at Orepuki or St. Clair.

Froni tho flag station on the summit of the hill a splendid view of the harboui and surroundings is obtainable on a clear day. DO3, Euapuke, and Stewart Islands lie close to land, and minor-sized islands are discernible in the open sea, especially to southward. It is needless to mention that the chief trade at the Bluff is connected, directly or indirectly, with shipping, and while the large ocean-going vessels are at berth every available hand is busily engaged ; but a lull follows the rush, and for a couple of days per week shipping business is at low ebb. The tug Awarua visits Stewart Island weekly under mail contract, while the Despatch makes periodical trips to that favourite rendezvous.

Immense changes, have taken place at the Bluff during the past decade. Substantiallybuilt premises hava replaced those of ancient structure ; public ' buildings now occupy prominent positions on the excavated hilj-slopes; while tha formerly boulderous face is now literally dotted with houses and residences. Ascending' the main street from the railway station, you pass the Presbyterian Church, and a few paces onward is the picturesque residence of tho Hon. J. G. Ward, occupied during that gentleman's absence from the colony by Dr Torrance. Next door is Mrs Dc Smidt, and filling up the corner of this block' is the resi-

dennojjf asotjjer ..relative, that of Mrs C ~KJ Tipping, '..formerly 'the .home- nf_ .the., late. Mis Barren. The nicely-shaded - eh'steini "of the late Mrs "Wadfioil also occupies a carifiil position. A new post office i? ln?ing built iiirecily opposite to the present buildiiyj, 3ud~"syiil contain various olht-r public office.?. Mr Alexander Menzies, of Invcrcargill, is the contractor. ar,<l will probably have the* work coispletod ):y February. Mr Crowthcr ia contra'jror for llie erection oi, several grain stores,.' and is pushing the work ahead, and bricklayers arc-, -sisc a consequence, * scarce,^ The Bluff is well 'sTlpplied^with h itoia,, evd Mrs Cameron keeps a temperance hotel. A commodious accommodation further from tho crowd and thoroughfare- should do a- handsome business in tourist traffic.

The bands of thriftless, moneyless hoodlums who arc prominent in seaport 'towns are kept in. cheque by the vigilance of Sergeant .M'Grath and Constable Howard, nnd these,,.ofncers;havo.d the hearty co-operation of the local magistracy/ Mr St. G eorge is postmaster, and' Mr Parlane 'hxp_ assiduous assistant. Mr Andrew < \.ng ? a veteran Southland schoolmaster, is tescher of the local school, and the already large stnff is--about to be increased. Captain Macdonald is harbourmaster, but is at present at Home, having gone to bring out the Harbour Board's ii->w vessel. Mr G. Jtt. George is secretary of the" board, and Mr J. W. Mitchell chairman.-j Mr J. £L. Re?d is again the mayor : elect of the borough, having been unopposed. Spea/.ing generally, tb,e people of the port are -not of a social disposition, and this naturally mars in no small degree the pleasure cf sojourners.