A SOUTH SEA PARADISE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10240, 24 December 1894, Page 3

A SOUTH SEA PARADISE.

FOUNDING A NATION. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

Auckl&nd, December 15,

On her passage from Rurotonga to this port the brigautine Linda Weber called in at Palmerston Island. Palmerston Island is one of a group of 13 small islands situated on the outer edge of, a large lagoon enclosed by a coral reef, the lagoon being about 12 miles long and the same in width. It appears to have a second Pitcairn Island community. About 35 years ago t man, springing into the prime of life, held an engagement on board one of the numerous whaler 3 that frequented the Bay of Inlands, and while his vessel was lying there he became restless with his lot a.nd longed for fre3h fields and pastures new. With this object in view he left his vessel aad, after various ups and downs, reached Tahiti, and there entered into trading relations with some of the traders. He Btarted away, and eventually reached the group of islands which bears the name mentioned above. He found no signs of natives or that there had been any there for many a long day, and, taking a fancy to the place, determined to settle down on it. This was some 32 years ago. William Marsters, the name of this adventurous young man, proceeded back to Tahiti and made arrangements according to his preconceived ideas. Marrying a native girl, he left with some of her relatives for his pew home, and since ti.aLi time has resided on the island, never leaving it except to board vessels visiting there. Although so isolated, he has witnessed many strange scenes. Three vessels have been wrecked on the dominion (he holds a lease of the place from the Imperial Government), the crew of one of the vessels being all lost. From the wreckage (one was a timber-laden vessel) he has built several substantial houses. At the time be first ssttled there were a few coconnut trees on some of the islands, but now all Jhese are covered. Mr Marsters haviag most; industriously planted new trees from lime to time, is at the present day reaping the benefit of his foresight and industry. A large family has sprung up around the old geutleman, and to the elder of thorn he has relegated many of the duties that formerly were borae on his own shoulders. At the present time there is a population of 22 bouls, and all appear to be happy, healthy, and contented on their island home. Strict laws have been framed by Marsters for the good government of the ifiland, and a judge is appointed from among themselves to settle any dispute. His office turns out to be an appointment in name only, as no trouble has ever arisen to call for his interference. The spiritual welfare of the family has not been forgotten. A houseis specially set asids as a church, and there every Sunday and on stated week days Marsters conducts religious services. Altogether, this strange but industrious handful of colonists away in the midst of the Southern Pacific are said to be a model from which many who are seeking new homes might take a few lessoß3.