HURRICANE AT THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2480, 23 March 1893, Page 1

HURRICANE AT THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Sydney, March 20,

N eWfi has been received that a terrible hurricane swept over New Caledonia and the New Hebrides on the 6th, 7th, and Bth instants. The latter group appears to have been almost swept clear of evidences of civilisation. Nearly all the plantations were Jo veiled, and the whole of the villages wrecked, while the loss of life is reported to be enormous. Numbers of vess&W were wrecked, but with the ex&eption of the barque Empreza, thq names have not been ascertained. Tim Empreza, which was respiting among the group, became & total wreck, but it is not known whether any lives were lost. The spinier Birksgate fell in with the hurricane and had a narrow escape. Her steering gear became disabled, but she managed to reach Noumea in safety. New Caledonia suffered severely, but the, eastern side seems to have felt thq effects more than the other portion of the island. Everything aftoat was destroyed, and houses wore converted into ruins. At the nickel mi no eleven lives were lost. The muu left shortly after the hurricane (UK-uwed, and fuller details are not tft hand, Private advices indicate that the hurricane ig\ the New Hebrides group was |e][t snore severely at Villa Hanah, while Ambrym and many other places, were unharmed. The Empreza vra& only dismasted and not wrecked. The schooner Ika Vuka became a total wreck. Fears are entnyfafned for the safety of the sfeavniov- Croydon. March 21. The whole of the settlement at Port Sandwich, New Caledonia, was swept away. The French Company have sustained a heavy loss. The finest plantations havo heou destroyed, and the natives are absolutely without food. The loss at Villa Hanah is estimated at 125,000 francs. Noumea escaped, though other parts were deluged. Appalling floods have taken place. The loss is 3,000,000 frau c;;. 20,000 tons of nickel ore were washed into the sea. Many thrilling escapes are recorded. The Governor has cabled to Prance for £20,000 to relievh the immediate wants of the residents.