Decline of the Settlement.

Time passed. The settlement, now more than two years old, was hampered by its isolated position and by the class of immigrants who peopled it. Instead of their being agricultural labourers from England and Ireland, and men accustomed to fishing, from the North of Scotland, it had been an outlet for Germans and Poles unable to find employment

(Aerial photo. by Capt. J. C. Mercer.)Another view of Jackson's Bay showing the Arawata River, South Island, New Zealand.

page 27 in other parts of the colony; and for Italians whom the Government had had for months in the depot at Wellington. These people were unable even to speak English.

The population at Jackson's Bay now numbered 367; and in fairness to the settlers, the Resident Agent felt it necessary to state that, without further assistance, the settlement would be a failure. Employers of labour would not come to Jackson's Bay, chiefly because of the lack of wharf accommodation.

In February, 1878, the Hon. James Macandrew, with others, called at Jackson's Bay and was waited on by the settlers, who brought before him the urgent need of a jetty and of overland communication with Otago and Canterbury, also of communication with Hoki-tika via the Paringa Track. With regard to the jetty, Mr. Macandrew approved of the work as far as it had gone, and authorised its continuance; but because of Captain Fairchild's adverse report, the plans and all necessary memoranda were to be submitted to Mr. Blackett (Government Engineer).

In due time Blackett came to inspect the jetty, as far as it had gone, and the result of his report was awaited with extreme anxiety, for a crisis had been reached in the affairs of the settlement. Anticipating the stoppage of Public Works, some of the settlers had induced Mr. Haworth, a sawmill owner, to erect at Arawata a sawmill, of which the settlers were to be part-owners. Haworth had acted on the clear understanding that facilities, for shipping timber would be provided, but as matters stood he was faced with heavy financial loss. Moreover, from the Clark and other runs, fat stock was ready for shipment to Westland. These and other concerns affecting the prosperity of the community were almost entirely dependent for their success on one thing—adequate means of export.

Suspense, at least, was ended when the agent received from Wellington the following telegram dated July 10th, 1878: “Engineers and practical persons advise that a wharf at Jackson's Bay, if erected to stand, would cost two thousand five hundred pounds. Under these circumstances there are no funds available, and the work cannot be proceeded with.”