Niua Fo’ou Natives Settle In New Home
AUCKLAND, Mon. (Sp.). The transfer of the 1100 people who were driven from their homes on the Island of Niua Fo’ou, or Tin Can Island, by 3 volcanic eruption in 1946, to their new home on Eua Island, should be completed by now, said the Governor of Vavau (the Hon. Ulukalala) on Saturday. The Hon. Ulukalala is in Auckland. Niua Fo’ou has been completely evacuated, the people having been transported on the small Tongan Government inter-island ship Hifofua. Stock also has been transferred.
Although thousands of acres of their former home had been lost in previous disturbances before the peak erupted in September, 1946—f0r the ninth time since 1853—the natives were still reluctant to leave. TAXES 32/- PER ANNUM Their new home is the most fertile island in the group, and corn can grow to maturity in six weeks. It has acreage enough to support the islanders for several generations and they should be self-supporting in six months. Until the island bears a copra crop its inhabitants will be exempt from the usual 32/- a year tax, but nevertheless, several have petitioned the Tongan Government to allow them to return to their old home. The authorities, however, are adhering to their policy.
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Northern Advocate, 12 January 1948, Page 2
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209Niua Fo’ou Natives Settle In New Home Northern Advocate, 12 January 1948, Page 2
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