A SOUTH SEA PARADISE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4906, 19 December 1894, Page 3

A SOUTH SEA PARADISE.

Founding a Nation, The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times wires under date, December 15 th " On her voyage from Haratonga to this port, the brigantino Linda Wehci* called in at Palmerston Is* land. Palmerston Island is one of a group of 13 small islands situated on the outer edge of a large lagoon enclosed by a coral reef, the hgoon being about 12 miles long aud the saino in width, It appears to have a second Pitcairn Island community. About 35 years ago araan, springing into the primo of life, hold an on. gagemont on board onoof the numerous whalers that frequented the Bay of Islands, and while his vessel was lying there he became restless with his lot and longed for fresh fields and pastures new, With this object in view he left his vessel and, after various nps and downs, reached Tahiti, and there entered into trading relations with some of the traders. He started away and eventually reached the (fronp of islands which bears the name mentioned above. He found no signs of natives or that thero had been any there for many a long day, aud, taking a fancy to the place, determined to settle down on it. This was some thirtytwo years ago. William Marsters, the name of this adventurous young man, proceeded back to Tahiti and and made arrangements according to his preconceived ideas. Marrying a native girl, he left with some of her relatives for his new home, and since that time has resided on the island, never leaving it except to board vessels visiting there, Although so isolated, ho has witnessed many very strange scenes, Three vessels have boen wrecked on the dominion (he holds a lease of the place from the Imperial Govemmont), the crew of one of the vessels being all lost. From the wreckage (uue was a timber-laden vessel) he has built several substantial houses. At the time he first settled thero was a few cocoanut trees on some of the islands, but now all theso aro coverod, Mr Marsters having most industriously planted new trees from time to time, isattho present day reaping the benefit of his foresight and industry. A large family has Bprung up around the old gentleman, and to the older of them ho has relegated many of the duties that formerly were born on his own shoulders. At the present time there is a population of 22 souls, and all appear to be happy, healthy, and contented on their island home. Strict laws have been framed by Marsters for the good government of the island, and a judge is appointed from among themselves to settlo any dispute. His office turns out to be an appointment in name only, as no trouble has over arisen to call for his interference, The spiritual welfare of the family has not been forgotten, A house is specially set aside as a, church, and there every Sunday on stated week days Marsters conducts religious services. Altogether this strange but industrious handful of colonists away in the midst of the Southern Pacific are said to be a model from which many who are