Distress on a Guano Island.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 3009, 9 December 1879, Page 3

Distress on a Guano Island.

SIXTY -SIX PEOPLE LEFT WITHOUT

PROVISIONS,

Tub New Caledonian correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald" writes : "A deplorable state of affairs exists in respect to the Huon guano islands, 100 miles from tbe north end of JSew Caledonia. The manager of the Huon Island guano worksMr Champion—arrived last week in Noumea in search of provisions, having left on the island fourteen whites and fifty-two blacks on the 10th instant, they then having but twelve days provisions. On reaching Noumea, Mr Champion was much distressed to find the company's cheques stopped, aDd consequently his own intentions frustrated for tho relief oi those he left behind, and who, but for the expenditure last month of his own private means in the purchase of provisions at Pam, the nearest New Caledonian port, would for weeks past be starving, except for the bountiful supply of birds eggs and turtle to be obtained on the island. In August last, one of the partners of the company left Huon Island for Sydney, promising to hurry a vessel down with provisions. She should have arrived in S*qi. I tember—in six weeks time at latest. For nine weeks they waited, and then Mr Champion made the trip—llo miles —in a small boat to Pam, and purchased supplies a3 stated. From the Government here he has received notice not to remove anything from the island, as it intends to seize upon the plant, &c, to meet a claim of 40,000 francs, due to it by the company. Mr Champion, powerless to act himself, is much gratified to learn by to-day's mail that the long expected vessel Ephemy left Sydney on the 10th instant, and she ought now to be at Huon Wand, or on her way back to Sydney with the GG human beings left there, helpless, and possibly saving themselves from starving only by what nature brings to their hauds. No news has been heard of them since the 10th, nor has any vessel gone to thoir succour from here. ' Ere leaving Mr Champion made every arrangement for the guidance of the people, should any cause prevent his return to them, advising them to go by first vessel to Sydney."