CHATHAM ISLANDS, a small group of islands in the Pacific ocean forming part of New Zealand, 536 m. due E. of Lyttleton, in South island, in about 44° S., 1i7° W. It consists of three islands, a large one called Whairikauri, or Chatham island, a small one, Rangihaute, or Pitt island, and a third, Rangatira, or South-East island. There are also several rocky islets. Whai rikauri, of which the highest point reaches about 1,000 ft., is re markable for the number of small lakes it contains. Its form is irregular, being about 38 m. in length and 25 m. in extreme breadth, with an area of 321 sq. miles. The geological structure (mainly volcanic rocks with schists and Tertiary limestone) indicate that the islands were once part of New Zealand. In general, the soil is extremely fertile, and where it is naturally drained a rich vege tation of fern and flax occurs. On the south-western side is Petre bay, on which, at the mouth of the river Mantagu, is Waitangi, the main settlement.
The islands were discovered in 1791 by Lieutenant W. R. Broughton (1762-1821) who gave them the name of Chatham from his boat. He called the natives Morioris or Maiorioris. In 1831 they were conquered by Boo Maoris who were landed from a European vessel. The natives were almost exterminated, and disease killed most of the remainder. Their language was akin to that of the Maoris of New Zealand, though they differed from them physically. Cattle and sheep are bred, and a small trade is carried on with whalers, which visit these seas. The chief export is wool, grown upon runs farmed both by Europeans and Morioris. There is naturally an import trade of European commodities. The population (1926) of the whole group was only 562 (268 Euro peans and 294 Maoris and Morioris).
There are no indigenous mammals; the reptiles belong to New Zealand species. The birds—the largest factor in the fauna—have become very greatly reduced through the introduction of cats, dogs and pigs, as well as by constant destruction. The larger bell bird is now scarce, the fruit-pigeon and the two endemic rails are extinct. The fossil avian forms are very important, especially from the point of view of the geographical distribution of species and the survival of the older forms in these remote corners. There have been discovered the remains of a species of swan belonging to the South American genus Chenopis, and of the tuatara (Hat teria) lizard, the unique species of an ancient family now sur viving only in New Zealand. One of the finest of the endemic flowering plants of the group is the boraginaceous "Chatham Island lily" (Myositidium nobile), and a gigantic forget-me-not, growing near the high-water mark on the shores. Dracophyllums, leucopogous, and arborescent ragworts are characteristic forms in the vegetation.
a town of eastern France, in the department of Cote-d'Or, on the Eastern and P.L.M. railways, 67 m. N.N.W. of Dijon. Pop. , It is situated on the upper Seine, which is here joined by the Douix; the source of which is much visited. Chatillon, an old feudal town, anciently consisted of two parts, Chaumont, belonging to the duchy of Burgundy, and Bourg, ruled by the bishop of Langres; they did not coalesce till the end of the 16th century. It was taken by the English in 1360 and by Louis XI. in 1475, during his struggle with Charles the Bold. Chatillon was one of the first cities to adhere to the League, but suffered severely from the oppression of its gar risons and governors. It is associated with the abortive conference of 1814 between the representatives of Napoleon and the Allies. The ruined 13th century castle of the dukes of Burgundy lies above the town. Near by stands the church of St. Vorle, begun in the loth century, but with many additions; it contains a sculptured Holy Sepulchre of the 16th century and a number of frescoes. Marshal Marmont, duke of Ragusa was born at Chatillon in and built a château here. Its industries include iron-founding and the manufacture of agricultural machinery.