1830.] 
and of their recent Settlement . 
295 
from the latter having failed to give him the name of the islands, he must have 
done so at his own risk 2 . However this may be, Mr. Hare did not wait for any 
report, but shipped himself and followers on the first vessel proceeding in that 
direction, and was accordingly found in possession of two-thirds of the islands 
by Mr. Ross when he arrived from England. 
The portion of the islands occupied by Mr. Hare comprised West, Ilorsburgh, 
and Direction Islands, (see plate ivj, the best and most eligibly situated, as they in- 
clude the passage into the basin, and are also convenient for ships anchor- 
ing, having the deep water close to them. Mr. Ross had, however, at that time 
no idea that Mr. Hare contemplated a permanent residence on these islands— 
he supposed him merely anxious to obtain a place of retuge for his people, and 
that having seen them located to their satisfaction, he would proceed to England. 
With this impression on his mind, lie offered to take charge of Mr. Hare s 
people — but his offer was rejected, and in terms which, combined with other 
circumstances, induced a conviction that lie was regarded as an intruder, though 
why, be could not very well understand, as there was ample room tor both. He, 
therefore, formally communicated to bis fellow settlers, his intention to occu- 
py the remaining islands for his own purposes; and having previously dis- 
patched the ship on her voyage, he, on the 4th Nov. took possession, and on the 
5th, as before mentioned, hoisted the British flag, and read a pnpei before bis 
assembled followers, declaratory of bis plans and intentions in settling on these 
isles. These were, the acquisition, for himself and followers, ot the necessary 
means of subsistence, by affording such facilities to our eastern commerce, as 
might appear to be within their power. In the prosecution ot these views lie 
proposed cultivating such articles of refreshment as the soil and climate might 
permit, and also providing, by whatever means, materials tor the repair of snip- 
ping, and for constructing such conveniences as might be requisite tor the assist- 
ance of vessels in distress, or requiring to put in for the purpose of rehtting. 
These views, as Mr. Ross observes, are praiseworthy, and such as, m t ie 
pursuit of, he might safely calculate on the approbation ot the civilized world. 
To England, in particular, the success of the project could never be indifferent, 
abstracting from all political views as to the eventual value of these islets in case of 
a war, for it was one every way English -spirited, and full of promise— calculated, 
if successful, not only to benefit the projector, but to be of extensive public utility. 
Mr. Hare’s views, it has been seen, were not quite so public spirited, ms 
plans do not appear to have had any reference to the convenience of ships visiting 
his islets, or indeed to any other useful public purpose, as far, at least, as the 
facts which have yet transpired, enable us to judge. But lus right to settle on an 
island which he found unoccupied, may be safely conceded ; nor can it be denied 
that he would be entitled to pursue any private plans he may have contemplated, 
Without molestation or hindrance, the same toleration being extended by him 
to others, and above all, no opposition or resistance being offered to those who 
have found the means of conciliating their private interests with those of the public. 
It is at the same time, to be noted, that Mr. Ross, in his written declaration, dis- 
tinctly chums whatever rights may attach to the first settlement of these islands ; 
considering his landing, taking possession, clearing, sowing seeds, and digging 
wells In December 1825, as the first act of this kind Coupled as they were, with 
the declared intention to proceed to England, for the purpose of bringing out his 
familv and other settlers, it cannot be denied that these must be considered acts 
, r ,' f i t „ nr ilnpv; it nnnear that a person arriving during Ins absence, and 
I s : S 
But wlfoever may happen to prove the rightful proprietor of these islands, 
it must to Ihe public, be a matter of regret that the most eligibly situated of them 
has fallen into Uie present possession of one who seems to take no interest in, 
if L is not even opSosetl to the plan of rendering them generally useful Mr. 
Hare’s 8 possessions it has been noticed, are situated round the on to entrance 
r 
Mr”* Hare’s people then were !L'!,T 
.TetLeh^ ‘kemedves *** " U °” 
s I t U known that if the master of a merchant vessel dev “^”S r t , h |‘ threat 
erhlvtne^ A V. exonerated therefron,. no- 
loss regularly warranted by proper ivritten insti uetions. 
