§ MR. H. S. WRIGHT (Nottingham, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any information as to the hurricane in the Mauritius?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East ToxtethThe Acting Governor of 1447 Mauritius has telegraphed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the following facts:—
Hurricane devastated Mauritius 29th April. One-third Port Louis destroyed. Royal College, twenty-four churches and chapels and many sugar mills in country completely wrecked. Over 600 deaths in Port Louis, over 300 deaths in country, over 1,000 wounded; in Port Louis district returns incomplete; probably same amount. No loss among the military. Estimated reduction of crop one-half. Destruction to property enormous. No famine apprehended. All relief measures taken. Relief Committees appointed. Panic allayed, order and quiet reign, but in presence of thousands of homeless people pecuniary assistance urgently needed.I may add that the Secretary of State has communicated with the Lord Mayor with a view to the opening of a relief fund.