NORFOLK ISLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 10

NORFOLK ISLAND.

TIES WITH NEW ZEALAND. OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRADE. POPULARITY WITH TRAVELLERS. (By G. W. BLYTHE.) In view of a paragraph which appeared in a recent "Star" regarding the withdrawal of the Mam Pomare from the Norfolk Island trade, the following facts may be of interest, which I give as a resident of the Island. Between four and five years ago the New Zealand Government inaugurated a service to Norfolk Island, with the Hinemoa, which soon became very popular. Owing to the publicity given to tne Island by the New Zealand Government Tourist Bureau and visitors, large numbers of tourists were induced to go there, and a lot of these finally settled and became permanent residents. Of these a, considerable number were returned soldiers who found the ideal climate most suitable for health reasons. The position now is, that although the Island is under the administration of the Commonwealth Government, the bulk of the population, i with the exception of Norfolk Islanders, 1 is made up of people from the Dominion, who, owing to the decision of the New Zealand Government to discontinue the service, are left without any direct means of communication with JSew Zealand. When the Hinemoa commenced running there was no trade at all, and though she carried a full complement of passengers every trip cargoes were very small, but gradually increased. The Maui Pomare was put on the run in July, 1925, and trade, had increased so much that on her first trip she carried a cargo of over 150 tons and a list of over 50 passengers. During the time she was running, from July, 1928, to March, 1930, trade increased very considerably, and on the last trip she carried 45 passengers and over 200 tons of cargo to the leland, bringing back something like 100 tons of cargo and 50 passengers, a total of 300 tons of cargo and 95 passengers for the round trip. With a freight rate of £2 10/ per ton and a fare of £7 single the amount earned on the run was at least £1400.

The trade has been built, up, and any shipping company venturing to put a vessel on the run would soon find that it was a very payable proposition, for if a satisfactory boat is put into service, trade will not stand still, but will increase to a very considerable figure. What is really wanted is a reliable service of a boat every four weeks. This would enable large quantities of early vegetables and fruits to be shipped at a time when they are out of season in New Zealand. In the past the service- has not been too reliable, and growers of produce have had large quantities awaiting shipment go bad on their hands. Attention should also be paid to passenger accommodation, as it is a trip which attracts a large number of tourists, and consideration to this matter Avould be well repaid. In conclusion, I would like to mention that Norfolk Island has many attractions as a health resort, as a place of residence for retired business men, and as a place of opportunity for young men with small capital and the ability to work. All that is lacking is a satisfactory steamer service with Xew Zealand.