Pitcairn Islanders Not In Desperate Straits

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 6

Pitcairn Islanders Not In Desperate Straits

INCORRECT INFORMATION FROM STEAMER Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 20. In a recent cable message it was stated that a tramp steamer had reported to the Commonwealth Minister of Ex ternal Affairs that the Pitcairn islanders were in such desperate need that they were practically starving. Tho message stated there was a suggestion that the British Government might remove the inhabitants to another place of abode. When seen in Wellington to-day, Mr. Robert Christian, fifth in line of descent from the original ringleader of the mutiny on the Bounty, Fletcher Christian, said the message could not be right as only a fortnight ago between 50 and 60 tons of provisions were received at Pitcairn from relatives of the islanders resident in Wellington. Ho knew these provisions had arrived, as they had received word to that effect through the shipping company concerned arid the Admiralty. “In any case,” said Mr. Christian, “they might only run short of imported goods such as flour, tinned meats, oatmeal, oil, tea and matches. At a pinch they could live indefinitely .on what the island produced bananas, oranges, coconuts, pineapples and practically all vegetables. But even on the score of imported goods the message cannot be right, as I had personally to do with the purchase and shipment of the goods.”