Sunday Island’s Population

Five Now

Sunday Island’s Population Grows

lsland, which for the past year has been inhabited by two Auckland men, A. Bacon and B. Robertson, now has a population of five, the Australian yacht Yvonne having- landed Messrs. A. Ven ables, R. Ashwood and D. Ang-us. This modern “Utopia” is about 600 miles north north-east of Auckland.

Of the new arrivals, Ashwood is a fishing- expert, and Angus a fruit expert.

Both are South Australians, who will in vestigate the possibilities of making the island self-supporting.

When the Yvonne returned to Auckland her crew was enthusiastic about the island. “It is a veritable Garden of Eden,” said one. “Oranges grow to profusion and are free of all pests. Lemons average six inches in diameter. Passionfruit vines ramble throughout the bush and stretch 50 ft. up into the trees.”

A survey of Sunday Island was made during the yacht’s stay, and much data gathered concerning its possibilities as a self-contained colony. It is thought that the soil and the climate favour delicate crops. Plans for more settlement are being formed.

The two New Zealand hermits are in the best of spirits appreciating the soli tude to the full.

Mr. Stanley Murray, of Thursday Island, left early in September to take up the position of Shire Clerk at Cooktown, North Queensland.

Mr. E. H. Chater has been promoted to general manager of Guinea Airways Ltd., and Mr. F. T. O’Dea becomes assistant general manager. Mr. I. H. Grabowsky, formerly general manager, has severed his connection with the company.

Hon. Alport Barker, M.L.C., and his daughter, Mrs. F. I. Ryan, returned to Suva, Fiji, from a visit to England by the Niagara on September 18.

Mr. E. W. Bonwick, who was sent to Papua to make an independent investi gation of Mandated Alluvials’ property near Port Moresby on behalf of a private syndicate of shareholders, returned to Sydney on September 23.