STEWART ISLAND

Southland Times, Issue 20524, 28 June 1928, Page 3

STEWART ISLAND

DOINGS OF THE FORTNIGHT. NEWS FROM HALFMOON BAY. (From Our Correspondent.) The island is devoid of visitors at the present time, and there is little to report on the doings of the past fortnight. Wet and cold weather has been experienced alternately and for the past week fishing has been practically at a standstill, only the more venturesome of the crews having been out. Quite a good average week was experienced prior to that and good all-round catches were made although not as large as in previous seasons.

A man conversant with the state of the industry remarked to a reporter yesterday that the fleet had had more days fishing this year than had ever been the case before. The position was counteracted, however, by the fact that the fish were scarcer. There was, he said, in reply to a query, a certain amount of space left in the freezer, but with some fine weather it would not be long before it was filled up. ’POSSUM HUNTERS. Several parties of opossum -trappers are at work in various parts of the island, and as the animals are reported to be plentiful they should meet with some success. No definite word has yet, however, been received as to the result of their trapping, although the news is current that they are doing well. ANGLICAN CHURCH. The Anglican Church Ladies’ Guild is holding a social and dance to-morrow night to raise funds towards the general expenses of the church. Preparations have been under way for some time and a good night’s fun is assured. WHALING BASE. Work has been going on quietly at the whaling base, the particular work in hand being the renovating and overhauling of the Star chasers before their next venture into the Antarctic. Star VI. has been put off the slips and Star VII. has been hauled up and a start made on her. She will be completed about Monday. THE NEW WHARF. Work on the new wharf is almost at a standstill owing to a suggested alteration of the plans. The third row of piles has been laid and the work of widening the approach to the wharf has been commenced. MAIL CONTRACT. Owing to the fact that Mr Eric Habershon has taken up residence in Auckland the running of the Maori Beach mail has been put in the hands of Mr W. Mitchell. With the launch Maori he did his first trip in his new capacity a week ago. COUNTY COUNCIL. The County Council recently conducted a survey of Big Glory Harbour, Glory Cove, Euchre Creek and South-West Arm to select suitable places for the erection of the new landings for the convenience of trippers. The landings will be approximately 24 feet by 18 feet and it is hoped to call tenders next month. The council has chartered the Kekeno to bring a load of gravel to Half Moon Bay for various metalling contracts on the roads. PROPERTIES SOLD. That the island is losing none of its accustomed popularity is borne out by the fact that several sections in various parts have been sold recently to Invercargill residents who have in view the building of erfbs for the convenience of their families during the holiday season. Inquiries are also being made for other land, and it is probable that more sections will change hands in the near future. Mr R. G. Cameron’s crib has been bought by an Invercargill resident and Mr T. Widowson jnr. has sold his house and section adjoining Topi’s boardinghouse. The Misses Brown has acquired a sertion from Mr G. Bragg adjoining their present premises and intend to enlarge their garden, which is considered to be one of the beauty spots of the holiday resort.