HURRICANE IN NEW HEBRIDES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 73, 20 December 1918, Page 5

HURRICANE IN NEW HEBRIDES

ISLANDERS DEPRIVED OF MAIN FOOD SUPPLY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, December 19. A graphic description of.the hurricane in the New Hebrides is given by a missionary, who stated that thirteen out of fifteen nativo churches in the vicinity of Pentecost were completely destroyed. Most pathetic and distressing 6cenes occurred, the natives being terrified. While a native teacher's family were fleeing for safety, a tree crashed to earth, and killed the only child. Many traders' launches were dashed on to the shores. A tragic fate befell, one trader, who had to swim from his launch to shore through . a raging sea. Upon reaching the beach he made for safety, but ii tree fell upon him and killed him. The people in ono or two of the islands are likely to be badly off, having neither houses nor food. The storm wrecked the bamboo plantation, from which most of the houses are built, and in the destruction of gardens and plantations of bread-fruit, coconuts, and yams has deprived the islanders of their main source of food supply. The Rev. H. P. Wilson, administrator of the Melanesian Mission, states that the hurricane in November in the New Hebrides and Banks Islands was the worst in his experience. of twenty years. Native houses, churches, anil plantations were 6wept out .of existence, and nearly a dozen lives, were lost. The Rev. Turner's church and home at Pentecbst were destroyed.