Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-02-08
AN INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF
PITCAlRN'S ISLAND.


is written by a gentleman now in Honolulu,
and has been forwarded for publication to the
London Times. As the object OF the writer
is to draw attention to the peculiar situation
of the Pitcairn islanders, he requests that we
will further his endeavors by concediDg al
place to it in the columns of our Journal
The subjoined information may be useful to
vessels trading between this port and the
Australian colonies, should refreshments be
required by them.
The following is list Of prices Of pro-
visions on the island, and the quantity that
can be spared, or thereabouts, per year:
900 to 400 bls Sweet Potatoes, at 81 OO|
IOO to I5O bls Irish Potatoes. at 3 OOl
IOO to I2O his. Vans. at 9 OO|
1900 to 1000 Cocoa Nuts, per 100 2 OO|
800 to 400 punches of Plantains, or
Banauas-for three lunches, 90
40 dozen Fowls, per dozen, 90
35 to As, 600 oranges, per lOO, l w
100 gallons Lime Juice, per gallon, so
Water melons, Pumpkins, Sc.
2OU barrels of water per day-tne casks are
RATED by themselves.
These prices are fixed, without reference
to the productiveness of the season.
There is good anchora ge to the N w. in
10 to 20 fathoms, from of mile to ] mile
off shore.
To the Editor Of tas Times:
SIR:-In the month Of March last, myself
and four others were left ashore at Pitcairn s
Island, by our snip, which was blown off in a
gale. Having thus had forced upon me the
advantage of a more protrac,ed residence on
the famous refuge Of the Bounty mutineers,
than mas been hitherto enjoyed by any of its
! visitors, send you some observations upon
this-the smallest, but not the least interest
ing of her Majesty's colonies, with the double
object Of correcting foregoing statements,
and Of partially repaying obligations which
the kindness and unbounded hospitality OF
1.-THE half-caste natives have laid US under, by
ldrawing attention to the peculiar exigencies
of their situation.
: When it appeared that all chance of re-
Joining our vessel was gone, and that we
must patiently wait the arrival of whaler,
or of some colonial craft putting in for water,
1.-The inha bitants seemed to vie with each 9th
Ter in reconciling US to our dependent posi-
i. ton. manifesting delicacy and natural good
Ibreeding that have left an impression which
can never be effaced. A single instance will
serve to show the spirit in which these good
Offices were rendered. So soon as it was
quite clear that we were abandoned, called
George Adams, my host, to conference.
!. told him that we could not help remaining a
burthen upon his people for while, but that
D we must endeavor to make it as light as pos
sible; that they must give over treating US
az guests, and suffer us to live like them
selves, in their. ordinary way; that for my
own part, did not choose to eat the bread
S of idleness while all were laboring around
: me. but that l would earn my living, and
: could give as honest day 8 work in the yam
plantations as any man on the island. Adam:
' would not listenio the proposal, but said tha
r he had many times more pleasure IN seeing
me at his house than before; for that while
= the ship was here, it mig!t have been sup
posed that he looked for some return. where
as It was now quite clear that had none t.
make. Being determined, however, to con
: ltriye that return in one shape or another,
j. lucky thought at last occurred. A little ok
gentleman. one of the three resident Euro
peans, and the very impersonation Of Mas,e
, Simon in Bracebridge Hall, came to ask
solution Of certain difficulties in music. HI
had brought out with him, twenty-seve'
, wears ago, few treatises on the subject
over which he had been poring ever since
: seemingly without being able to advance
step. took occasion to remark upon tn
I;mnerfection of the church singing, whic
was in unison, as bad as well couid De, a:
: proposed teaching them all to sing in parts
They caught at the offer with eagerness, AN
VI proved remarkably intelligent; not one ou
Of the whole adult population being deficlen
IN ear. while many were gifted with magni
fcent voices On the fourth day OF instrnc
tiou; they sang catch, in chorus, stead'!
and correctly. The well known Baron d
Thierry gave lessons in linear perspective
and the use of the pencil, in handling wh'c