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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Stewart Island County

Stewart Island County , which was incorporated in 1893, when its first council was elected, embraces the entire island, and adjacent islets, and is divided into two ridings, known as North and South. The North Riding includes Half Moon Bay, with the townships of Oban, Peterson, Anglem, part of Mason district as far south as Mount Rukeahuai, and Ruapaki Island. The South Riding embraces the rest of the island, including the Pegasus and Lord's River districts. Each riding returns three members to the County Council. In 1903 the total capital rateable value of the North Riding was £11,408, and that of the South Riding, £5,824. The Island consists mostly of Crown lands, which are not rateable. A general rate of 3/4 d in the pound, and a Hospital and Charitable Aid rate of 1/4d are levied. The total revenue on general accounts, exclusive of certain special Government grants, for the year ending March, 1903, was £139. There are sixty to seventy miles of roads and tracks in the island, chiefly tracks; only about page 892 one mile and a-half of metal roads having been completed. The County Council acts as a Harbour Board, under the name of the Half Moon Bay and the Horse Shoe Bay Harbour Board. This Board, which was established in 1896, and obtained extended jurisdiction in 1901, has control over the harbours extending throughout Half Moon and Horse Shoe Bays. A convenient jetty in Half Moon Bay has replaced a private wharf, which originally served the settlers for many years. In Horse Shoe Bay a jetty, a quarter of a mile long, was constructed in 1896. Members of the Council in 1904: Messrs W. Robertson, C. Hansen, and J. Bragg, representing North Riding, and J Harrison, A. W. Trail, and W. J. Jensen, representing South Riding. Mr Joseph Harrison, who was the first chairman of the County Council and Harbour Board, still holds the office. Mr George Naesmith is secretary and treasurer of the County Council and Harbour Board.