Waimarino priest on scene of cyclone

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 230, 9 February 1988, Page 12

Waimarino priest on scene of cyclone

Father Bernie Vella, who lived in Ohakune from 1983 t o 1986, has written to the Bulletin with a short account of the recent cyclone in New Caledonia and a plea for help for his parishioners. Father Vella has been in Pouebo, a village on the North East coast of the island for the past three months. "The north of New Caledonia is called "The Bush" and cyclone Anne hit the Bush on 12th January in the night. "I have been here now for three months, mainly studying French, here where no-o'ne else speaks English. "I read my short written sermons at Weekend Masses and I'm told some of the people (they are all Melanesians) are beginning to understand them - and me, despite my accent. "The communication barrier adds greatly to the isolation for me here. After

a second week alone in our priest's house on Belep Island, which was Christmas week. "I had been another week mostly alone in our Pouebo house when cyclone Anne arrived, preceded by two days of storm and howling winds. "One of our churches was the worst hit in this country, losing half its roof. It was the church at Balade, where our first Marist missionaries landed in this country. "Many Melanesian huthouses were flattened. The north here was the worst hit, especially the poorest houses." "Some of the Waimarino people who knew me might want to send the people here something towards relief and rehabilitation. "If so they can send it to: Paroisse de Pouebo B.P. 10 Pouebo New Caledonia. "This would assure help getting through to the right people in the right way."