MAROONED FOR TWO YEARS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 5 August 1931, Page 2

MAROONED FOR TWO YEARS

MEN RETURN FROM CAMPBELL ISLAND I An interesting story of island life and hardships caused by lack of proper food, was told by John and Arthur Warren Who, with Harrv Warren and A. Spence, were brought to Bluff on Sunday nicrht bv the steamer Tamatea, after a lonely stay of two years on Campbell Island. John and Arthur Warren, who hold a lease of the island, travelled on to Dunedin. J. Warren and his nephew took over the island from a syndicate in 1926, A. Warren travelling there in December of that year, and J. Warren following a year later. Regular yearly steamer visits were made until August, 1929. Since that time, however, the four men, until the Tamatea’s visit, had been completely out of touch with the outside world. In 1986 there were 3000 sheep on the island, but tfie number has now increased to over 4000. What their fate, and that of the 16 head of cattle on the island is to be, is at the moment uncertain. At present the island is completely deserted, and it is probable that it will remain so unless arrangements can be made for regular steamer visits. The Tamatea brought back 124 bales c)f wool and skins, as well «» over 100 seal skins, which are stated to be worth not a great deal at the present time. FOOD RATIONED

When the last steamer called at the island it brought stores for a year, hut before that- period had elapsed the men realised that rationing might be advisable. As time went on it became necessai'y to mix tapioca, rice, sago, and split peas which were ground as finely as possible, with flour, and this was used for the making of bread. Gradually the proportion of flour in the mixture was reduced until in November last supplies of flour ran out. As the months passed the stores of food became less ana less, and from April until relief arrived, a period of over three months, the men lived entirely on tea. mutton, fish, and the flesh of a variety of shag found on :the island. “TOUCH AND GO” In the early stages of the rationing period the men’s health was seriously affected, Harry Warren suffering the worst. According to Arthur Warren it was “touch and go” for, some time, and it- was only due to the men’s wisdom in rationing by degrees that they were able to accustom themselves to their sparse diet. Meals on the island had never been elaborate, but the last few months provided hardship which severely taxed the strength of the party. They realised that there was no escape from their position until a vessel an'ived, and by adopting a cheerful outlook they lived a more or less contented life. In fact, they became so accustomed to their diet that John Warren considers that they could have sustained existence for a considerable time.