THE TONGA HURRICANE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 86, 10 April 1912, Page 3

THE TONGA HURRICANE.

COCOANUT PLANTATIONS. .WRECKED. HAVOC AMONG THE .CHURCHES. Nukualofa, March 2. Particulars to hand of the disastrous hurricall'e experienced in Hab bai on January 30th show that the damage done there was terrific. Thoß3 who are qualified to speak with authority on the subject say that it will be at least five years ■ before the islands in that group recover from the effects of the blow. An estimate of the cocoanut trees absolutely destroyed, either by being blown down or having, the heads torn off, puts the-number at not less than 200,000. The export of copra from Habbai will, therefore,, be very small for some years to come, and it will be necessary to start 'replanting at once, ! so that the young trees will be gradually coming on to take the place of those which have been destroyed.

A great many 'boats' were driven ashore, and some of them altogether destroyed. Almost every church in the group has been destroyed. The most serious loss is tthe big Free Church in Lifuka, the roof of which, and the sinnet lashings on top of the pillars, were a good example 'of native- art. It is very doubtful whether this work can be done again, as many of the old men are dead, and the younger ones have not the skill of their forefathers in native handicraft.

The estimated damage to the premises, boats, and wharf of the German firm (D.H. and P.G.) is £2500, and to this must be added the value of the stock spoiled by water and sand. For fifteen hours the tempes't raged, without a moment's respite, and some of those who went through the experience isay that the continued rushing and howling of the Avind was most trying to the nerves, and it was some days before the elFect wore off.

A most remarkable thing is, that though the air was full of debris of all sorts, flying sheets of roofing iron, branches torn from trees by the violence of the wind, and fragments of boats, wharves and ; buildings, yet there was not one ease reported of anyone having been killed, or even wounded during the hurricane. 1 Old residents, both European and native, say that this is the worst storm they can ever remember in Habbai.