FIFTY YEARS ON A SOLITARY ISLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8222, 5 April 1890, Page 2 (Supplement)

FIFTY YEARS ON A SOLITARY ISLAND.

A letter has been received by Mr. Newman, of Gravesend, from Peter Green, the head of a small colony of SO persons located on the small and remote island of Tristan d'Acunha, in the South Atlantic. Peter, who has been on the island for 52 years, is now upwards of 80 years of age, and means to die and be buried there, where several of his family already lie. In this letter, which is dated 'December 13, 1880, he says that the islanders were prosperous before the Suez Canal opened, but that now there are no steamers or troopships, and that lately even the whalers have deserted the spot, for the whales have disappeared. The trade which the inhabitants formerly did in supplying water and fresh provisions has almost ceased. Now, he says, " the rats are taking possession of the island, and the only remedy I can see is to keep plenty of cats, which will make them shy about the houses." " I hope," he continue?, "outmails from Capetown will arrive before Christmas; if not there will be no plumpudding, but roast pig and mutton will be in plenty. My son-in law will send mo materials for the pudding ; he knows we are hard up for flour. The mail comes from Capetown 'via St. Helena. I shall take things just as they come, and not grieve for that Which cannot be cured. My early confreres are all gone, and I cannot expect to continue here much longer. On the 11th of December we had her Majesty's ship Curacoa here, and she took away one family, two young girls, and one young man. The Rev. G. H? Hodgson, who has cast in his lot with us these eight years, gave £50 to the widow and family, £10 each to the girls, and £2 to the young man. Ho has given away like this £122 to my knowledge," and if he were rich he would soon depopulate Tristan. But, rats or no rats, it will still raise cattle and sheep. The seeds you sent me have raised wonderful flowers. They run up a six-foot wall, and bloom all the year round. The spectacles are doing me good service. Did I tell you the Duke of Edinburgh was at Tristan in the Galatea in 1867 ? Ho took two bullocks, some potatoes, and other things for the ship's use. 1 had some presents to send to my daughters, and when 1 went on board with my bundle, the Duke said, ' What is Mr. Green going to do with his bundle ?' J said, 'I am looking for some gentleman to take charge of it for my daughters,' and His Royal Highness answered, 'I will bo the gentleman.' The Duke also left money for the islanders, and I had my share. ... I can see the steamer coming. She is about ten miles off. Fare you well, and if for ever, still for ever fare you well.— W. Green."