§ 73. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he was now in a position to state the condition in which the islanders of St. Kilda were found by one of His Majesty's warships; what steps were taken to relieve their needs; and what steps he was prepared to take to prevent a similar state of affairs recurring?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am informed that the captain of His Majesty's Ship "Achilles" reported that, on arrival at St. Kilda on 22nd May, it was found that the islanders, while not absolutely starving, were running short of oatmeal, flour, tea, sugar, salt, etc.; that the cattle and sheep, though plentiful, were unfit for killing on account of poor condition, and that for meat the inhabitants were largely depending on sea-birds and sea-birds' eggs. About a month's supply of provisions was landed, the distribution to be arranged for by the minister, postmaster, and precentor, who were to form a committee for that purpose. The question of improved means of communication is being carefully considered.