HERMITS OF THE PACIFIC.
MEN TOO' WATCH WEATHER. SYDNEY, Got. 8. ■ Nearly 300 miles from the Queensland coast lies Willis Island, on which the Commonwealth Government maintains a wireless and meteorological station. During the cyclone season three men volunteer to live on the island 'and report weather conditions to the weather bureau on the mainland: For six months they are cut off from civilisation, and live as real hermits. No vessel ever calls and no mails are ever received. Food is all from tins, with the exception of fish, which is caught when the weather is fine. Milk, meat, fruit, vegetables, rice, ilour, tea, sugar and coffee all come from tins. After two years a pile of empty tins accumulated nearly sufficient to load a small ship. The distance round the beach is approximately three-quarters of a mile, and the highest point of the island is about 25ft above the s.ea. Myriads of sea birds inhabit the island, lay eggs and bring out tiny, brown, fluffy chicks.
Every six months the party is relieved and returned* io civilisation, browned and healthy from the- outdoor life under the tropical sun.
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Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 October 1924, Page 5
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189HERMITS OF THE PACIFIC. Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 October 1924, Page 5
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