A Lonely Island.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1922, Page 1

A Lonely Island.

WALPOLE. PREHISTORIC REMAINS. As for as is known, Walpole Island, a lonely spot in the Pacific, lias never been visited by scientists. Air A. C. Mackay, F.H.G.S., who is at present in Sydney said that from a scientist’s standpoint Walpole was one of the most peculiar islands in the world. AValpolo, which is situated about 150 miles east by south from Noumea, contains huge deposits of guano, and is, with Surprise Island and the Chesterfield Group, leased by tbe Austral Guano Company, whose headquarters are in Auckland. Mr Mackay is the company's representative on Walpole. It is a limestone table, 230 feet high, with perpendicular clifTs all round, accessible at practically only one spot at a break in the cliffs on the western side up which wide steps have been cut, and where the loading is done. One of the peculiarities of the island is that it lias been submerged —or been “up and down.” to use Mi Mackay s ■ own phrase— at least half a dozen times. | Air Mackay liases this opinion upon the remarkably clear indications on the cliff sides of successive water levels and upon many other evidences, including the fact that there is pumice and also coral and other shells on this curiously upraised island, showing that at one time it must have been at sea level. Another most interesting feature is the ’ many traces of ancient human habitai tiott in tbe form of walls, obviously built by mail; columns of coral, Bft and lift high; largo tombs and clam-shell . bladcd instruments, a couple of which Air .Mackay has presented to the authorities of the Australian .Museum.

The supposition that there was no water on the island had liven held to he proof that it could never have been inhabited but Air Alackav says he has found supplies of fresh water in two caves ; and, moreover, he is convinced that in tin* long ago there was a much greater land surlacc than at present. “Anyhow,” he said, “I have found undoubted signs of prehistoric habitation, and I have also found in places where the guano cements on to the coral the remains of the nieiolania (horned turtle), which, I am informed, have been found nowhere else excepting in South A meric,» *'”<l lord Howe Island." Tile island is one mass of guano, mostly of brown colour, but in places bright orange, and of high grade. 3he present population consists of six white men. about 30 Japanese and 100 natives of tlu* Loyalty Islands -“among the finest men in the world, white, brown, yellow or black.” Nile singing of the Loyalty Islanders was wonderful In* said. The island was covered with a dense scrub.

The camp was a very eomlortahle oiie,_ Mr Mackuy stated. They had plenty of poultry and goats, while in the garden, everything grew luxuriantly vines, pineapples, paw-paws, and all kinds of vegetables, the tomatoes growing up to 2jlb. in weight. The company had installed mechanical driers for the guano, and other machinery, nud shortly would be shipping from Walpole alone about 1 -1,000 toils a year. The steamers employed were the Glaums and Walaita.

Cricket and fishing were their recreations. On Sunday the Loyalty Islanders held two church services, which the whole stalf made n point of attending.