CHRISTMAS ISLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 167, 27 July 1901, Page 2 (Supplement)

CHRISTMAS ISLAND.

Sir John Murray, the eminent British explorer, has recently returned from a. six months' expedition to Christinas Island, a small islet 12 miles in length by six miles in width, situated in the Indian Ocean, about 220 miles from land. The island is in reality a dense forest, but is famous for its rich phosphate deposits, the working of which constitutes1 the staple industry of the colony. The population comprises 13 whites, including" a doctor, chemist, and engiriteer, with their families, and 780 -Indian coolies, all engaged in the phosphate mines. There is no anchorage, but a splendid open roadstead, arid the depth of water found the island varies,from three to fOur miles. The most interesting1 features di tfie Island are the animate asi? plants. The" place is overrun with 6 curitfus red crab, specimens of which Were discovered measuring about eighteen inches across the back. The most salient characteristic about them is that they are excellent tree climbers, and regularly once a year they migrate. from the trees* in one huge colony, like ants, to the sea to hatch their eggs, after which they return inland, the whole joui'ney occupying about fifteen days. Sir John only discovered two mammals upon the island, which were species of rats hitherto unknown. The climate is (perfect, tresembling a holt English summer. Prior to the British annexation the island was uninhabited.