New Zealanders Abroad

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 7, 27 January 1903, Page 5

New Zealanders Abroad

SURVEYORS AT THE GOLD COAST.

One of the new Zealand surveyors on the Gold Coast writes in a happy and interesting manner of the new country to which they have gone and of their work. The New Zealanders sailed from London for the coast by the Biafra. Arriving at Sekondi, the port of the terminus, they were met there by Major Watherson, E.E., the officer in charge of the Gold Coast surveys. They all speak highly of this officer’s treatment of them and of the manner in which he assisted and enabled them to start upon their duties. The New Zealanders were soon detailed to their work, and safely traversed the malarial district. Mr N. F. Haszard, the writer, says he vras working at astronomical duty night after night in the malarial district, but felt no illeffects. Nor had he feit the heat oppressive. The maximum temperature in his tent was 83deg. Fahrenheit, and the minimum 72 degrees. No doubt, given equal conditions, the heat would be more telling in Africa than in New Zealand. Mr Haszard’s retinue is a curious one. First of all there are Messrs Gordon and Stretton, the New Zealand assistant surveyors. Then there are fifty-two carriers and line-cutters, an interpreter, a policeman and eighteen hammock boys. The latter only carry the white man and his belongings. It is cooler in a hammock in Jujulaud than carrying an instrument in New Zealand. The New Zealanders cannot speak too highly of the Royal Engineers, whom they find the best of men to work with. Tire forest is of the densest description. The trees are taller than in New Zealand, and there are many more to the acre, and an immense amount of work is entailed in making the clearings to get “ shots.” The" town of Tarkwa appears to be the base of operations. It is 80 miles from Sekondi, on the railroad track that will eventually, in 120 miles, reach Kumassi. The charge for a tenton truck from Sekondi to Tarkwa is £lO. The rail is open for traffic for a distance of forty miles beyond Tarkwa, and work is proceeding actively at the head. At the headquarters at Tarkwa a good table is kept, but a great objection to the country is the fact that the Now Zealanders, accustomed to the fresh food in their own country, have there to depend entirely upon tinned meat and vegetables. The whole party appear to thrive in the climate. One member was slightly ill for three days, but had quite recovered at the date of the letter. He ascribed his sickness to the use of canned provisions. Mr Haszard’s camp is north west of Tarkwa; Mr Webb is about five miles south, and Mr Dennison is also

in the neighbourhood. On the whole, the New Zealand expedition seems to bo a happy party, thriving in the climate, and enjoying the work.