D,—No. 7a

12

PAPERS RELATING TO SPECIAL

In conclusion I beg to state, if your Honor will be good enough to give me timely notice of the arrival of the first ship-load of immigrants, I will make arrangements to go over to the Island, and afford them every assistance in my power to locate themselves satisfactorily. I have, &c, Walter H. Pearson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Enclosure in No. 8. RUNS HELD UNDER " OTAGO LAND REGULATIONS, 1st APRIL, 1856."

I. ' REPORT ON STEWART'S ISLAND. Port William, from its position, will probably be the most important harbor in Stewart's Island. It is easy of ingress' and egress with any wind, presenting in this particular a marked contrast to most of the other harbors in tbe Island; and is the most convenient port of call for vessels windboun in Foveaux Straits, or harbor of refuge for those disabled. lhe Land is of superior quality, as evidenced by the crops obtained from the small patches which have been cultivated. Though, as a rule, hilly, it is not too steep for cultivation, and is so situated that the greater portion of the slopes have a north-eastern aspect. That at the north-west end of the Bay, running across the neck at the west head, is tolerably level; and the luxuriant growth of the fern tree attests to the superior quality of the soil. About Water Beach, the hills are not so steep, and there are some gentle slopes in other parts of the harbor. Timber. —The shores of this bay, like most of the others on the Island, are covered with timber of size, principally black and red pine ; but the undergrowth does not offer any serious impediment t» clearing—the exuberant growth of creepers being the chief difficulty to contend with. There are two or three creeks (of sufficient size to admit of boating up them for a short distance) running into the bay. Reserves. —A reserve of 200 acres for a township should be made at the north-west side of the Harbor— the frontage including part of West Head, Snug Cove, Cave Head, and part of Magnetic Beach, as per attached sketch. This land is, I believe, claimed under the " Land Claims Settlement Acts, 1856, and 1858;" but as it is the only site for a township at Port Willirm, I trust the Government will under any circumstances secure it. I would also recommend a reserve of 30 acres for a lighthouse on the East Head. Although it is probable that it will not be required for such a purpose for some years, yet, as it is the best position for one, it ought to be secured. Horseshoe Bay is a. pretty little bay, sheltered from the worst and most prevalent winds. The available land in its immediate vicinity is circumscribed. What there is, however, is good, and would form a desirable purchase. Half-moon Bay is also a sheltered harbor. The land is superior in quality, not very thickly timbered, and a considerable area of it available. Some of it, on the south side, has been cultivated by Mr. Harrold, and some Germans who have been located for upwards of twelve months. The results of their labor testify to the productiveness of the soil, and the practicability of colonising Stewart Island. Reserve. —l would recommend a village reserve of 100 acres as per enclosed sketch. I understand that there is a tolerable inland track to it from Kaipipi Bay, Paterson Inlet, by which settlers along the north shore of that inlet might obtain supplies should the stress of weather obstruct the navigation, which, I should imagine, is of by no means infrequent occurrence.

Area. Date on which License Terminates Run. Licensee. 395 Edmund Gillon ... 3,500 April 28, 1874 397 Bisdie and Harrison 27,360 May 14, 1879 415 Henry Munro ... 44,640 July 19, 1879 Walter H. Pearson, Commissioner of Crown Lands. Crown Lands Office, Invercargill, 25th October, 1870.