AN ISLAND HERMIT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10960, 1 May 1907, Page 1 (Supplement)

AN ISLAND HERMIT.

AT VATU VARA FOR THIRTY YJEARS

OCTOGENARIAN'S LONELY LIFE

Recently the Fijian Government steamer Ranadi, whilst on a cruis© through the Fijian group, called at the Island' of Vatu Vara, which is owned by Mr. E. V. Thompson. The island is a small one, 1030 ft high, greatly resembling a hat, and has been owned by Mr Thompson for 40 yiears. . Mr Thompson is 80 years of age and has lived on the island lor 30 years with his wife, a Manaluki woman. He was found to be m good, though feeble health, and the visit of the Ranadi. was most opportune as his supply, of breadfruit, vara?, and yams, upon wliich lie ' chiefl}* relies for food, had about run out. Fortunately the Ranadi had a good supply of yams on board, and the old man's storehouse was replenished. This extraordinary couple have supported themselves chiefly by growing yams and breadfruit, and have not been visited for several years at a stretch by anybody except, perhaps, a few natives from the neighbouring islands; -whose visits Mr Thompson does not, inthe least, appreciate, as they generally rob him of liis cocoanuts and other tilings. Mr. Thompson is an American, who ,was at one time manager of Nai Taba plantation. He left Nai Taba to take up his residence at Vatu Vara. He keeps a recoro pf the days by marking each one on a rock, and oh Sunday, March 31, was only one day out of his reckoning. H e was quite interested to hear of the war between Russia and. Japan. Tlie old man had not by any -means forgotten his English and was neat, and clean m uns appearance. His wife showed tjie greatest consideration (for his comfort and health, and gave many signs of a wonderfully faithful and extraordinary nature. Judging from appearances, she may be perhaps. 60 years. of age. Th e Rev.il. Cook was one of ; the party, and held prayers, m which the old couple showed great devotion. ' ' '