ROUND ABOUT STEWART ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 29

ROUND ABOUT STEWART ISLAND.

(By Ora Trayelijns Correspondent.)

Of all the places lying within easy distance of the mainland, to which short excursions may be made across tho '' .deep blue sea," Stew-" art Island ranks as the most prominsnt and the most favourable. During the summer months exclusion parties are formed and trips made from all parts of 'Southland and Ofogo to this favourite transmarine rendezvous, anci as a recruiting locality for persons just leaving! > the doctor's care and those in quest of nior.e' cheerful conditions of health Stewart IslantK cannot be beaten. , / ' The subject of this sketch lies -within/ 30 miles of the mainland, and is less than 'three hours' steam from the Bluff. Besides the small flotilla ol cutters and sea-faring bloats that make the trip as cucuirrstaiices createyflie necessity, the Bluff Harbour Board's tug, the Awarua, journeys to the island every ■'Wednesday morning, leaving the port on the arrival of the first Invercargiil train ana returning the same afternoon.

On a calm day, with ft smooth sea, tiie trip is a pleasant one, and as the tug padc.ie3 down, the haibour the hearts of the passengers are light and gay; but soon the Point 19 rounded, ail shelter is gone, and the destiny of the crafb and its happy excursionists is left to the mercy of Providence and the waters of .Foveaux Stiait. It is the route of' the Australian and Homeward-bound vessels, and although at times the passage through xhe strait, is rough and boisterous, it is thoroughly safe — no hidden locks or dangerous currents to be dreaded b}' the briny skipper; while Stewart Island affords accessible sheltering ground in time o" storm. Once well out to sea, the landscape becomes plainly visible, the tug is soon moored alongside the jetty, and a general staniXsede is made for Oban township. The visitor need not expect to see massive buildings and asphalt footpaths, or any luxuries common to city life. Such things are not here. The "Bulk of the population is engaged in the fishing trade — the exportation of oysters foiming an important part of the industry. Mason Bay, and Port Pegasus are the only other landingplaces of any significance. Tin was discovered near Port Pegasus a few years ago, when a rush. — coupled with the frenzied 'fioiation ol companies — caused considerable excitement m mining and speculative circles. i?rospeet:r><, .for, gold has- been carried on rxtensivcly. but no payable deposits have- ever been discovered. 1

Part of the island is suitrbly timbered for milling purposes, and Mr G. Marine, of ifakfcrewa, has a largo sawmill at work. Mr Cyril Thompson holds an extensive run front the Ciown, and has ii -well stocked. Sheep sewn to, do remarktibiy wall on the island, but of course none lmi clsu-set-. suitable ior rough country necd'bs 1 c-xpecied to iiu-ivc in thl:-. locality. Although not possessing any boro.is h oy other corporate body, the island bus been uio-

ulaimed a county- within the meaning of the " .Counties Act oi 1856." • The high peaked Solanders lie close to Stewart Island, and Centre Island is plainly visible in the distance ; while its red light warns the mariner by night. Hub puke — once famous in the Maori annals of the south — lies to leeward on tho journey fiom the Bluff. It is well adapted for pastoral purposes, but its stock is limited and its inhabitants few.

There is a Native school at Stewart Island, and missionaries of the various denominations attend to the spiritual wants of the people.