ICES FOR LONELY ISLANDERS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3383, 18 July 1927, Page 8

ICES FOR LONELY ISLANDERS.

The principal demands of the dweller? on the lonely island of Tristan da Cunha,' in the South Atlantic, when the 'Asturias stopped there recently were rope, soap, blankets, and ices. Passengers state that the islanders declared that the Asturias was the first ship to call for more than a year. 1 lie entire population, 150 souls, eager!} greeted the vessel. The islanders for five hours came aboard and were entertained by a con cert, ice cream and tea. Tlfe Asturias loaded a raft with soap and blankets, but could spare little rope. Passengers gave gowns, lingerie suits and inany other garments. An other presnt was a phonograph with records, tho, first the islanders had cvei

seen. Women passengers made up a “hope chest” for future brides, and containing laces, lingerie, and linens. Captain Harry le Brecht, master of the Asturias, stated that the islanders came out in three whaleboats, braving the heavy surf that beats continuously on the volcanic crags they call homo They came on deck in rough woollen clothes, much patched, with feet hound in fibres and rags, or else hare. Only a few wore caps. One man with tears in his eyes asked a woman passenger for castor oil for Ids babies. The greatest news the islanders brought was that on the previous day another baby had been horn making the population of the island 150.

None of the islanders had ever tasted ice cream. Stewards with some difficulty induced them to taste the frozen delicacy. They were soon clamoring for more.