ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE NORSEMEN.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3251, 14 July 1871, Page 3

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE NORSEMEN.

<» . The following letter has been addressed to the " Otago Witness" : —

Sir, — Muddy roads and high price of staff of life, are evils attendant on the early settlement of any young country. Such difficulties the pioneers of Otago had to contend with in an eminent degree. I crossed the Tokomairiro Plain 23 years ago, when there were but three houses on it ; there was not even a beaten track to follow. In crossing the Gorge Creek I had to wade breast high. Having put myself in travelling order, I continued my journey among flax and grass higher than myself. Looking to the left I observed smoke arising, and made for it. After having walked awhile in that direction a house hove in sight, whereat I was very glad, as I had not seen oue since I left the Maori K'aik at Taieri. I soon arrived at it. Being evening, I asked for a shake down for the night, which was at once granted. After tea the pioneer settler and I sat down to have a bit of chat, and our conversation turned on muddy roads, the long way tn town, and tho fact that consequently flour, sugar, tea, &c, were very expensive. He said he could'nt expect to have these things any cheaper whilst the country was in its present wild stale, At the time I am writing a big bag of flour could not be laid down at Salmond's Creek for less than £3 10s, and everything else in the same proportion. I need not state here how 1 managed to get to the Molyneux, and that I spent two days with my departed friend Mr Redpath, another pioneer resident on the island ; nor will I say anything at present about my journey from thence to New and Jacob's Rivers, and my coasting back to Dunedin in an open boat, hugging the shoro all the way, which was quite a common thing in those days. Since that period how many changes have taken place. Rivers are now spanned by substantial bridges, and for miles south of Dunedin is a splendid hard metalled road, whereon stage coaches are continually running through a country in a high state of civilisation. The cot wherein I rested my wayworn limbs twenty-three years ago is still • standing, a memento of old times, and the owner of it, a thrifty farmer, has erected a handsome mansion by its side. Times are wonderfully changed. lie is not now complaining of muddy roads, nor tho distance to the metropolis of Otago, as his requirements can now be supplied both cheap and expeditiously. He has fought the wilderness and conquered. Hundreds of old settlers commenced their career in Otago the same as this man, with equally good results. Had they stuck in marshes or quagmires whilst pursuing their avocations, their case would be different to what it is.

The reason that I have referred to the above subject is that I see in print that the Norwegians in the North Island have muddy roads and dear Hour to contend against, which are obstacles in the way of settlement, but at the same time not insurmountable. Shall Ibe told that my countrymen are imbued with less perseverance than the early Scotch settlers of Otago ? That I have quoted to show what can be done by men determined to make homes for themselves and their families, which is far easier accomplished in New Zealand than in the land of their birth, I therefore strongly advise them to struggle on in the path they have begun to cut out for themselves. Let them not listen to idle tales about this, that, and the other ; but work away and subdue the country before them ; and depend on it, in the long run, victory will be theirs. — I am, &c, A Scandinavian.