A WIDOW’S LONELY VIGIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 898, 29 September 1910, Page 3

A WIDOW’S LONELY VIGIL.

Auckland, Sept. 27. A pathetic story of one of the saddest tragedies o( real life was brought to Auckland this afternoon by the Government steamer Hinemoa, which arrived from Little Barrier Island. The Little Barrier is one of the Government sanctuaries for native birds, and is guarded from the ravages of poachers by a caretaker appointed by the Tourist Department, There are no other inhabitants of the island, which has no communication with the mainland. Mr Hunter Blair was the caretaker, and with his wife has lived on the island for some months. Mr Blair, who had been in delicate health, died last Wednesday night. His wife watched the body for two days in the hope that somebody would call at the island, of which she was now sole resident. Thursday and Friday passed without a sign of any callers, and on Saturday morning Mrs Blair made the necessary preparations for the performance of the last sad offices for the dead. She collected some planks and boards and made a rude coffin. She then dug a grave near the house, the work being completed on Saturday, and on Sunday she reverently committed the remains to their resting place. Mrs Blair, who was naturally much affected by the severe trial to which she was subjected, remained at her lonely habitation with no company save the birds till Monday evening, when the arrival of the Hinemoa brought her such solace as human sympathy and assistance can afford. She came 011 to Auckland to-day, and in a few days will leave to join friends in Wellington.