NORFOLK ISLANDERS' DIFFICULTIES

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22635, 14 February 1939, Page 8

NORFOLK ISLANDERS' DIFFICULTIES

Disappointed Settlers At Auckland INABILITY TO MAKE A LIVING (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, February 13. Unable to secure a reasonable living in spite of all their efforts, 27 residents of Norfolk Island arrived by the South Pacific Line steamer Tasman to search for work in New Zealand. The party included about 15 former New Zealanders and several who had spent their entire lives on the island. A change from Australian to New Zealand control and more frequent shipping services were, stated by members of the party to be essential before the island could hope to flourish. Through disappointment with the conditions, about 100 settlers had left during the last three months, and the population had now decreased to less than 900. It was deplorable, said several of the passengers, that people should be forced to leave such a fertile and productive island through inability to make a living. “There are no prospects for anyone settling in Norfolk Island unless he has independent means,” said Mr C. W. Jordan, formerly of Te Awamutu, who left the Dominion last October to examine conditions on the island with a view to possible settlement. “People have been slaving to get a few shillings from the land, but they have been in the habit of getting debit notes back for produce shipped to Sydney.” Because the island was controlled by Australia the restrictions that applied to the importation of fruit from the Commonwealth to New Zealand also applied to Norfolk Island, Mr Jordan said. The settlers therefore had to send their produce to Sydney, which, however, was very well supplied with fruit of mainland origin. As a result, prices were generally low. The islanders believed that if the island was placed under New Zealand control and a frequent shipping service was instituted, they could command much better prices in the Dominion. ■