Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1915-04-08
BIRD ISLANDS
UNDISIURBED
BY POACHERS
Cutter Thetis Finds Laysan,
Lysiansky and Other Isles
Untrod By Man For Years

j
ing Laysan island their home and'
nesting place have not recently been
disturbed by parties of poachers, said
officers in the United States coast
guard cutter Thetis which returned
to Honolulu today alter a tempestu-
Gus experience in the Pacific to the
westward of the Hawaiian islands.
One boat was smashed and render
ed useless and another was damaged
in the attempt to make a landing at
Bird and .1ysiansky islands. Captain
James Brown met with heavy wealth
er almost Immediately after leaving
Honolulu on March 16.
The Thetis called at Midway island
Before leaving the isolated CONNER
cfal Pacific Cable Company station,
Mr.. and Mrs. d. Morrison and son
Joined the vessel as passengers to
Honolulu. Morrison is the resident
manager and superintendent at Mid
way. He viii remain here for about
a week, returning to his station in the
FIaurence Ward, which is expected to
sail about April 1S.
Thousands of aIbatross, gulls, COON
les and other birds now remain in un-
moIested occupation Of Laysan, once
the domain Of Max Schlemmer, the
erstwhile local phosphate and guano
king OF the Pacific. A collection OF
buildings erected for the little colony
Of laborers is said to be fast falling
a prey to violence Of storms which
sweep over the lowlying islands. A
remnant Of the lighthouse yet towers
above the surrounding growth OF
brush and bunch grass. Vast broods
of rabbits struggle for existence with
the birds while the surface OF the Is
land is covered with countless mum
Der of eggs.
Officers in the Thetis conducted a
thorough search for evidence oil
poachers. 1t is believed that since
the invasion Of q company OF Japa
nese from q Toxic concern some
years ago, the islands have not beer
visited by oneone in search Of birc
feathers or skins.
Some Of the smaller buildings ant
warehouses to shelter the equipmen
nsed by the guano gatherers have
been laid low by gales. A portion o
the light railway line can yet be seeI
near the battered little wharf wher'
once schooners moored to take OF
cargo for Honolulu.
Lysiansky island, also a resting
place for sea-birds, had every appear
ance Of having remained undisturbed
If IN not believed that man hal
set foot on the island since the las
visit of the Thetis.
The coast-guard cutter called q
Hermes reef, French Frigate shoah
and Bird island and passed close 7
Johnson island.
The visit OF the Thetis proved Al
interesting event in the lives or
Score or more officers and employee
connected with the Commercial Pac
&c Gable company. The Thetis cal
Ned mail and supplies to the maroon
ed inhabitants Of the little sand II
land.
over on Green island, adjoining tn
fslet upon which is built the cabl
station. a thriving colony Of jacks ar
practically running wild. The animal
represent the progeny Of couple
horses taken to the Midway island
many years ago.
Strong gales and heavy seas wef
che rule on the islands, reefs an
rocks Incorporated In the Bnite
states bird reservation. The creates
dificuity and much danger was exp
riencedl In attempting to land at tn
various points: While the Thetis los
d boat, its officers and crew escape
serious injury.
In returning to the ship after ca
at French Frigate shoals, the ere
were obliged to swim to a waitin
boat. It was found to be impossibl
to get small craft through the viii
running surf.