SHORT OF PROVISIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1924, Page 4

SHORT OF PROVISIONS.

PACIFIC DISTRESS SIGXAJ

WELLINGTON, July 11

News of the plight of a miijill band of nren living on a lonely atol in the Paeific, known as Malden Island, was brought to Wellington yesterday by the officers of' the Union Company's motor ship Jiaurnki, which reached tln> harbour at l.HI) p.tn. from Vancouver via Powell river, licllingham, and Sail Francisco. SIGNAL ON ISLAND. The llauralci left San Francisco on •lime PJth, suit] nothing of an unusual nature occurred during the first twelve days of the voyage. Malden Island was sighted by the officers late on the afternoon of July Ist. A close inspection of the island revealed the fact that a signal iiad been hoisted at the flagstaff erected on a high point, ami on being deciphered the officers discovered that tin* inhabitants had run up the international code distress signal, which signified: "Short of provisions: starving.” FOOD EXHAUSTED. The Mnuraki’s course was altered to bring her as umir the island as was considered safe and necessary. She was then stopped, in the iiieniiiimo the inhabitants realised that their distress signal had been seen, and at li p.m. a boat containing two white men and three natives came .alongside the Hniirnki. The white men informed the captain of the Uauraki that they were iii a had way, ns their food supplies were practically finished. They stated that no ship had called at the island this year, stud that they had been existing on rice and salt meat for several weeks past. PROVISIONS SUPPLI ED.

Captain Frew, on learning the plight of tin; inhabitants, supplied them with sufficient provisions from the Hnurnki's storeroom to last them for about two months. These provisions consisted of sugar. Hour, meat, potatoes, butter, jam and other eatables. The boats’ crew were extremely .grateful for the fresh supply, and in thanking Captain I’rew. informed him that the men living on the island were all in goto! health. POPULATION OF SFVKX.

.Malden island is noted for its guano deposits. Steamers occasionally loafe there for Australia and New Zealand, but no .shipments have been made tor the past six or seven mouths. The present population of the island consists of'two white men and live natives. The island is owned or leased hv a Melbourne linn, Mr C. Holmes, ol Melbourne being the managing owner. The last ship Lo pass dost* to the island before the Hniirnki was the Waininn which is engaged in the trade between Pacilie const ports, New

Zealand and Australia. This vessel was signalled by the inhabitants when passing early in May last, and the captain supplied them with provisions.