STEWART ISLAND NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 39

STEWART ISLAND NOTES.

The following has been forwarded through our Bluff correspondent : — Mr Rowell, who has been in charge of the Presbyterian Church during the past eight months, left HaK-moon on the 2nd icst. Tj» evening previous to his departure he was presented with a oheque from members of the congregation. During his texture the church congregations were kept well up, and in a quiet, unobtrusive nra-nner good work has been done. A number of friends and well-wishers assembled at the wnarf to bid iiim, Mrs Rowell, and famuy good-bye as they left the island. It is likely enough they will proceed to Tasmania. Mr Mitchell (student) arrived the previous Wednesday, amd conducted the church services last Sunday. There is to be a succession of ministers during the ensuing summer months, and probably no definite appointment will be made before Easter. . J?or the 'last fortnight the island weather has bean most enjoyable. Quite a number of visitors arrived by the laat two steamer trips. There will be inoreesing numbers right on np till Easter. Local boardinghouses have aiready been overtaxed fofe accommodation for people all over the Dominion. In" one or two instances over 100 applications have had to be declined. As the scenic beauties of the island become more fully realised it is very evident that the visiting pubiic will become largely Augmented. Two of the sawmills have closed down until after tie Christmas holidays — one at Kaipipi, in Patereon's, and the other at Half -moon Bay. Most of the hands from both mills have left for their homes. Although not stated, it is generally supposed that want of orders has had to do with this early closing down. The new schoohnistress (Mm Reid) arrived by last steamer's trip. She comes from Oamaru, amd is well accredited as a teaoher. The relieving teaoher (M<r Haseing) left for Invercaxgiil by the outgoing steamer. Several new buildings have been erected in the township of Oban during the past three months.