Our next subject will be, Gleanings from the Book of Ruth.
Yours affectionately,
H. S. L.
THE PITCAIRN ISLANDERS AND THE QUEEN.
Captain John Lewthwaite, of Maryport, has just returned to England, bringing with him a present for the Queen from the inhabitants of Pitcairn Island. Captain Lewthwaite is master of the Cairmont, of Glasgow, and on his homeward voyage from Vancouver Island he called at Pitcairn. He found that the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty had received papers containing particulars of the Queen's Jubilee. They said they were anxious to make Her Majesty a Jubilee present, and in the absence of anything more valuable they decided to send some straw hats of their manufacture. They also sent other goods made of straw, which they manipulate with a great deal of skill. The presents were handed to Captain Lewthwaite by M'Avoy, the Governor of the island, and grandson of one of the mutineers. The box containing the presents has been lodged with the Vicar of Peckham Rye, who acts as agent for the islanders, to forward to the Queen.
There are now one hundred and twelve persons on the island, two-thirds being women. They use no strong drink, tobacco, or money. Some time ago a harmonium was taken out to them, and Captain Lewthwaite says one woman plays it remarkably well.
A man that cannot mind his own business is not to be trusted with the king's.—Saville.