NUIAFOOU ISLAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 October 1946, Page 10

NUIAFOOU ISLAND

NOTICE TOO SHORT FOR. EVACUATION

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 16. Although the New Zealand Government placed a vessel at the disposal of the Tongan Government for. the evacuation of the population of Niuafoou Island last week-end, the evacuation was not carried out. The Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) said to-day that instructions had been issued to the master of the Matua to proceed to Niuafoou last Friday. This was in response to an urgent appeal by the Tongan Government, through the High Commissionei’ for the Western Pacific. Apparently, however, arrangements for the evacuation had not been completed on the island, and so prompt was New Zealand’s response to the appeal that it was impossible to prepare the natives in time forthem to be picked up by the Matua. Wireless communication with the island at the time was very uncertain. Mr. Fraser added that he had received a message of thanks from the Premier of Tonga. “We are all most grateful indeed for the immediate offer of assistance,” said the Premier, “and regret that it was not possible to have sent the Matua for the evacuation. With doubtful wireless communication it would not n been possible to evacuate at such short notice. I trust it will still be possible to assist us in the matter of shipping after October 21, a’nd that you appreciate that our non-acceptance of the Matua was unavoidable. I thank you again for all that you have already done for us.”