THE CAMPBELL ISLANDS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11761, 22 February 1919, Page 7

THE CAMPBELL ISLANDS.

STOCK IN GOOD CONDITION. NO WHALING THIS SEASON. p The Stella, winch was chartered by the Campbell Islands Syndicate to make a trip to the island, and to take down a party of shearers and a quantity of stores, returned to Dunedin last week. She cleared from Blnfif on February s:h. and anchored in Ross Harbour, Auckland Islands, on February (3tb. Those who went ashore visited the Government food depot, placed there for the benefit of shipwrecked mariners. The depot was found to be intact. The vessel left Ross Harbour on February 7tb,and a lauding was made at Enderby Island, where the two food-depots were in an equally satisfactory state. On the boat containing the landing party reaching the shore at Enderby lalsnd it was met by numerous sea lions who were in a very savage mood. The attack was carried out by the females. The party eventually landed without mishap, the sea Hons following them abont. On reembarkmg the Stella left for Norman Inlet, and after visiting the food depot there, departed for Oaruley 'Harbour where a party landed and restocked the food depot. Sea-lioas and sea-leopards were found to he plentiful in Caruloy Harhonr, as also were penguins and albatrosses.

"Tin vessel Gilroy Point,on February Btb after a very rough passage. On the party landing it was found that the four men employed there were in splendid health. The first question they asked was “How is the war going?’’ The men had ample provisions of every kind, with the exception of vegetables. The unfavourable weather experienced during the early part of the summer had kept back shearing operations. The stock, however, was found to be in splendid condition, there being no difficulty in getting plenty of tat mutton. The island is well grassed, cocksfoot and clover "showing ;well from the surface sowing. There is also a very fine,native grass, similar to English grass, growing all over the island. The laud is capable of carrying abput 8000 sheep at the present time. It was found that ground larks, skylarks, and starlings hava found their yvay to the island, and have multiplied. Seals and sea lions, which are afforded a sanctuary here, were seen to he very plentiful on the island. Owing ;to the loss of the launch Komuri about 18 months ago, no whaling has been done at tbe island, although there is a complete plant for whaling purposes at the station at North-east Harbour.

While the party were on Enderby Island a number of cattle could be observed on the hills.