LONELIEST PEOPLE IN WORLD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 58, 9 March 1935, Page 3 (Supplement)

LONELIEST PEOPLE IN WORLD.

One hundred and sixty of the loneliest people in the world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the liner Empress of Australia, which left Europe early in February on a cruise. She carries three packages of gifts from the King and Queen to the inhabitants of the Tristan da Cunha. The South Atlantic island is so remote that it is seldom visited by any ship. Vessels call there, about once a year, and that is the island's only link with the outside world.

Except for the chaplain, who comes from England, and one or two families who emigrated many years ago from South Africa, all the islanders are descendants of a corporal and his wife, who were left behind at their own request when the British garrison was withdrawn in 1810. The island is largely barren, and the little community very poor. Several times they have had gifts from the Royal family. Last time a ship visited Tristan da Cunha the King sent sets of new oars for the island boats, and the Queen a butter churn. Another treasured communal possession ie the harmonium which the Queen gave in 1929 —but only the chaplain knows how to play it.