A PACIFIC OUTPOST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19842, 17 May 1927, Page 6

A PACIFIC OUTPOST

LONELY PITCAIRN ISLAND ADDRESS TO ROTARIANS. Pitcairn Island, that romantic spot in the vast waters of the Pacific, was the subject of a lecture by Mr Will Hutchens at yesterday’s luncheon of the Wanganui Rotary Club. 'Mr Hutchens vividly retold the old story of the mutiny of the Bounty, and passing on, gave much interesting information gleaned during his visit to Pitcairn. The Remuera, which usually stays only one hour at the Island, was kept five hours off the rocky coast on this occasion, and 28 of the ship’s passengers seized the opportunity of going ashore. On a big wave they shot through a narrow opening in the reef, and carried on the crest of tho ocean roller they were shot forward at a tremendous rate, grounding on the sandy beach, and dragging their craft clear before the next rush of water. Pitcairn Island is about two miles long and about a mile wide, and its lofty volcanic formation rises 1000 ft. from tho sea. The party wended its way up a steep path lined with dense vegetation, banana and cocoanut palms, orango trees, and many varieties of wonderful flowers being seen everywhere in profusion. There are no streets on the Island, but the visitors saw a street lamp. The houses, or huts, were dotted about in the vegetation, and were similar to tho dwellings erected by the early pioneers of New Zealand. The ambition of the Pitcairners was to have an iron roof on their huts, and in this connection Captain Cameron, of the Remuera, or “Father Cameron,” as the Islanders called him, had transacted business for them in England, obtaining most liberal treatment for the residents of the lonely sentinel of the southern seas .

The visitors could not fail to notice that poultry was exceedingly plentiful, but as far as live stock was concerned there did not seem to be much. A few sheep and one horse were seen. The Pitcairners, who did not want to leave their island, had very little idea of the immensity of the world, although they read a good deal. They were quite happy in their tropical surroundings, although to the visitors there was a touch of sadness at the parting which ended the brief visit. Mr Hutchens said he would never forget the Islanders’ song of farewell. They possessed typically harmonious voices, and their part singing was wonderful.

In conclusion the speaker mentioned that the people of Pitcairn would be grateful for any gifts of clothing, coloured wool, reading matter, etc., which Wanganui people might feel disposed to send. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Hutchens for his interesting address.