106

NELSON GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

there will be apparent, viz.:—The extent of land available; the border of auriferous country, and the object of rendering this valuable tract of land accessible for public works. Probably the task would have been much easier to accomplish if solely keeping these objects of settlement and public works in view, the Provincial Government had been allowed to select the fittest persons for the work, irrespective of the date of arrival in New Zealand.

Character of land reserved.

On the 27th of November, 1874, the first settlers, immigrants and new arrivals, landed at Karamea. The land reserved for the settlement was upon the southern bank of the river, but separated from it by land formerly sold. This reserve is situated upon a terrace or plateau about 200 feet above sea level. The land nearest the river is mostly of good quality, but further from the river it becomes poorer, peaty, and lightly timbered, all the best land being heavily timbered with a thick matted undergrowth, in which the supple jack predominates. As a sufficient quantity of land was not reserved or available on the south side, another special settlement reserve was made upon the north side of the river, but also separated from it by the old land purchases. The land on the northern side is of good quality, although some will require draining, as it is low and flat.

Allotment & advance.

The settlers upon their arrival were allotted sections, upon which they went to work clearing and building. As might be supposed, they were generally deficient, not only in tools and domestic utensils, but many were absolutely necessary clothing; therefore, to supply an outfit necessitated an advance, which varied according to the family, from £40 to £70. Against this advance some security was held in the improvements effected upon the land. It is gratifying to note that with few exceptions these advances have been honorably repaid.

Houses and clearings.

Sixty-eight houses have been erected, many of them are quite comfortable, and some have additional outhouses. The clearings, in various stages of advancement, amount altogether to about 400 acres, and a good road one chain in width, with substantial bridges and culverts, where required, has been made through the settlement.

First crops.

In consequence of the extremely wet season of 1875, and the insufficient preparation of the soil, most of the early crop of potatoes failed. This crop being the settlers main dependence, the failure was deemed a great misfortune, although up to the present it has afforded a sufficient supply. To prevent such failure in the future, each settler will have a small section of land of drier and lighter quality.

Experimental cultivation.

Experimental patches of wheat, maize, and other grain, of green crops, of peas, beans, and hops, were tried with varied, but on the whole encouraging results. The hop plants were remarkably luxuriant; nor was the settlement without its monster pumpkin, one was shown there last season which was worth exhibiting, and almost deserved

immortalising in newspaper paragraphs. A number of fruit trees and vines have been distributed, and they seem to thrive and promise well. From this and other evidence of the fertility of the soil, it is not unreasonable to conclude that in the future the products of this settlement will be equal in variety and quality to those even of the most favored districts in the Colony, while the close proximity of the West Coast markets will always ensure a ready sale for the surplus produce.

Future products and markets.

Ninety head of cattle, about a hundred pigs, and an abundant supply of poultry represent the imported live stock, which would have been much more numerous but for the cost and difficulty attending shipment, the steamer latterly not calling more than once in six weeks or two months. At present over forty head, mostly dairy cattle, await shipment.

Live stock.

From the first of the settlement it was found necessary to establish a Government store, which has been locally under the control of the overseer, and under the care of a storekeeper. Although the store has entailed constant supervision and a vast deal of extra trouble and anxiety, in practice it has been found extremely useful in preventing extravagance, securing supplies at a low price, and preventing the surreptitious sale of intoxicating drinks, which, if once allowed, would have raised numerous difficulties. It remains a source of congratulation that no disturbances have taken place as yet at the Karamea, nor has police intervention been required.

Storekeeping.

Temperance

Police not wanted.

The settlers in the aggregate appear fully equal to the average population of other localities in the Colony. Still, it must be said that there are some there, as in most other communities, whose absence would be an advantage; there are also a few constitutionally unfit for a rough and arduous life. Notwithstanding the exceptions above noted, the accumulation of private property, as well as the quantity of public work completed, bears testimony to general industry and thrift, which is the more remarkable when it is remembered that the immigrants were taken almost promiscuously from shipboard without previous experience or training to qualify them for the work.

Character of settlers.

A liberal allowance of time was given to each settler to build and to make his family comfortable, then all were required to commence the public works by making the roads through the settlement. With some tuition they succeeded in completing road work, culverts, and bridges that will bear favorable comparison as to workmanship and cost with similar works elsewhere—the work in almost all cases being done as piece work, day work having been found very unsuitable.

First attempts at road work.

The local works, including the erection of the Government buildings, clearing the Government reserves, &c., having been thus completed, attention was next directed with considerable anxiety to the outlying road intended to connect the settlement with Nelson on one side and Westport on the other.

Erection of Government buildings.