TRAGEDY IN REAL LIFE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10571, 28 September 1910, Page 2

TRAGEDY IN REAL LIFE.

(Per Press Association.) Auckland. September 27. A pathetic story of one of the saddest tragedies of real life was brought to Auckland this afternoon by the Government steamer Hinemoa, which arrived from Little Barrier Island. The Little Barrier is one of the Government., sanctuaries for native birds, and is guarded from the ravages of poachers by a caretaker appointed bv the Tourist LVoartmem. There are. no other inhabitants of the island, which has no communication with the mainland. Mr Hunter Blair was the caretaker, and with his wife has lived on the island for some mouths. Mr Blair, who had been in delicate health, died last Wednesday night. His wife watched the body for two days m the hope that somebody would call at the island, of which she was now the sole resilient. Thursday and Friday passed without any sign of any callers, and on Saturday morning Mrs Blair made the necessary preparations for the performance of the last, sad offices of the dead. She collected some planks and boards, and made a rude coffin. She then dug a grave near the house, the work being completed on Saturday. On Sunday last she reverently committed tin; remains to their resting-place, the burial service being read by the solitary mourner at the graveside. Mrs Blair, who \vas naturally much affected by the severe trial to .which she was subjected, remained at the lonelv habitation with no company save the birds till Monday evening, when the arrival of the Hinemoa brought her such solace as human sympathy and assistance can afford. She came on to Auckland to-day, and in a few days will leave to join her friends in Wellington.