GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 4, 6 January 1939, Page 6

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

PIONEERING COMMUNITY SCHOOL TEACHER ON LEAVE IN WANCANUI Life on Great Barrier Island, oft the east coast ot the North Island, where, cut off from civilisation by 60 miles of water, lives one of the few remaining pioneering communities of New Zealand, was described in an interview yesterday, by Mr. J. McCormick, who has spent the last three years on the island as a school teacher. “About 20 miles long and seven miles wide Great Barrier Island has a population of 400,” said Mr. McCormick. “The only means of communication with Auckland, 60 miles away on the mainland, is by steamer, except that, recently, an aeroplajie service was begun. The first passenger flight was made from the island on December 21 ot last year. No medical aid is procurable on the island, and in cases of sickness or accident, patients have to be transported by launch or aeroplane to Auckland, the trip by launch taking 10 hours. Occasionally people have died from the rigours of the trip. Independent People. “People on the Great Barrier Island are very independent," said Mr. McCormick. “Many families have been brought up on the island, several from as far back as 1880. On one occasion the community applied to the Government for a much-needed wharf, and, on being refused, chartered an old hulk and built their own, the task taking three years. On another occasion a school house was needed; the residents built one and the Education Board rented it. There is one policeman on the island who keeps a boarding house. “The Great Day of the week on the island, is the day the steamer arrives from Auckland. Newspapers a week old are eagerly read, and mail, and supplies are received. It is also a great social event, residents meeting together and talking for hours. A*, the island is not legally a dry area, steamers are unable to sell liquor, but. this difficulty is overcome easily. There are two wharfs, about three miles apart, and thirsty souls board the steamer at one wharf, and imbibe their liquor on the voyage across to the other.” “There are many beautiful pohutukawa trees on the island; which is partly cultivated and partly in a wild state. It is very hilly in portions, the highest point being Mount Hobson, 3500 feet above s.-a level. Bananas, oranges and fruits flourish abundantly ' in the sub-tropical climate. During the summer many tourists are attracted by the island’s peaceful solitude and its beautiful beaches, which have been said to be the best in New Zealand. Island of Con trusts. “Visitors to Great Barrier Island are immediately impressed by the contrasts between the old and the new,” said Mr. McCormick. “There are only five or six motor-cars, and one metalled road on the island the main mode of transport being by scrub pony. The islanders are great walkers, and have amazing powers of endurance, often walking 20 miles to a dance. Nearly everyone carries a pikau, a sugar sack converted into a haversack. There are plenty of telephones, wires being nailed on trees throughout the island, but there are very few electric lights. I know of only two plants on the island. “Sheep and cattle farming is carried out, and kauri Jogs are shipped to Auckland by rafts drawn by paddle steamers. The island is noted for its ‘Pohutukawa’ honey. Home Boats Wrecked. "Two Home boats have been wrecked on the coast ot Great Barrier Island,” said Mr. McCormick. "In 1923 the Wiltshire struck a ledge under a precipitous cliff, but, fortunately, aid not slip back into deep water until those aboard were rescued. The second ship, the Wairarapa, sank almost immediately, with the loss of 70 lives. “The islanders reaped a rich harvest when the Wiltshire broke up,” he said. "Among the wreckage washed ashore were casks ot liquor, bales of newsprint, cases of cutlery and numerous other useful articles. Candles from the wreck are being used on the island to-day," he declared.