NEW CALEDONIA AND FIJI.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1868, 19 February 1880, Page 3

NEW CALEDONIA AND FIJI.

[By Tblbubaph.] [Via Auckland.] The Oregon brought intelligence that the cyclone at New Caledonia did incalculable damage. In the Noumea country plantations were destroyed. Fourteen vessels are missing or stranded. The warship Caledonienne at one period fired signals of distress, but succor was decided to be impossible by the Council, which was hastily summoned, and she had to weather it out. Public buildings, some of stone, were wreoked or dismantled. The New Caledonia Administration and municipality acted with promptitude and liberality. A subsidy of a hundred thousand francs was issued immediately for the relief of urgent distress. A publio subscription issued by the Government has reached nearly forty thousand francs. Fiji news to Jan. 31st states that a partial eclipse was visible on the 12th. An official enquiry was held into the mortality aboard the Queensland schooner Stanley, which had had battened hatches during the late tornado. It was decided that due care and attention had been afforded to the natives. The accommodation was a sample of that provided under ordinary circumstances. A serious epidemic broke out owing to the Bevere weather and want of sufficient and suitable food. Many natives were drowned in coming to or going from a great native meeting, consequent on the severe weather prevailing. A fleet of over 300 canoes and many European built boats attended the Governor from Bau to Levuka. The Chief Justice, who sailed for Tavinna during the gales, and was reported unheard of, arrived safely at his destination. The Governor 'proceeds to Samoa as soon as the weather is settled.