THE ISLANDS HURRICANE.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12772, 20 April 1910, Page 3

THE ISLANDS HURRICANE.

VISIT TO THE LOYALTY GROUP,

SUFFERINGS OF THE NATIVES,

A KETCH MISSING,

[Press Association— Copyright.]

(Received, April 19, 8.45 p.m.) Q Sydney, April 19. A steamer from Noumea brings news that the cytflone which swept New Caledonia at the end of last month wrought great devastation in the, Royalty Group. At the island of Mare three tidal waves in succession swept far up the land, destroying trees and plantations. Every trader's hotise txcepting one was destroyed, and tco huts of the natives were blown boc'ily away. . „«.■' Hundreds of natives sought refuge in caves. All their plantations were destroyed, and they were left almost without food. The other islands in the group also suffered. A ketch arrived at Noumea trtm Mare on the 7th, with tidings <f the disaster, and it was proposed to dtEpatch the French warship from ?Vumea with food and clothing "or tho unfortunate islanders. The ketch Arthur, which Icit Noumea for Mare on March 28th, ie missing. "'