NEW HEBRIDES HURRICANE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12506, 19 December 1918, Page 5

NEW HEBRIDES HURRICANE.

A TERRIBLE BLOW.

ACUTE DISTRESS FEARED.

(P«r Prim Asioormoit.]

AUCKLAND, December If). A graphic description of the hurricane m tlio Now Hebrides is given by a missionary, who stated that thirteen out of liftcen native elmrohos in tho vicinity of Pentecost were completely destroyed. Most pathetic and distressing scenes occurred, tho natives being terrified- _ Whilo tho native teachers and their family wore fleeing for « .tree crashed to earth and killed their, only child. Many traders’ launches were dashed on the shore. A tragic fate befell one trader, who had to swim from his launch to the (more through a raging Rea, Upon roachmg tho beach he made for safety, hut a tree fell upon him, killing him! Tho people in one or two of tho islands are likely to lie badly off, having neither houses nor food. A storm wrecked tho bamboo plantation from which most of the houses are built, and tho destruction of tho gardens and plantations of broad-trmt, coconut and yams has deprived tin? islanders of their main source of food supply.

THE 1 WORST EXPERIENCED.

[P«* Prms Amooiaiioit.]

AUCKLAND, December 19. Hio.Rev 11. P. "Wilson, Administrator ot tho Melanesian Mission, states that tho November hurricane at tlio Now Hebrides and Hanks Island was the vorst in his experience, extending over tv only years. Native houses, churches and plantations wore swept out of existence, ailu nearly a dozen lives were lost. The Rev Turneir’s church and home at Pentecost were destroyed.