NO RATES OR TAXES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 260, 3 August 1928, Page 17

NO RATES OR TAXES

PICTURESQUE NORFOLK ISLAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS I Accustomed as we are to the reading of newspapers, the payment: of rates and taxes, and the meeting of bank overdrafts, it appears almost incredible that a community ean exist —and apparently progress—without the aid of such adjuncts to civilisation. Less than -100 miles north of New Zealand lies the peaceful little island of Norfolk, known to most residents of the Dominion merely as one of the early eoqviet settlements of the Pacific. but to-day . a thriving outpost, that is slowly commanding the interest of New Zealand and 'Australia. Norfolk Island has no newspaper. Notices are posted on the Tree of Knowledge in Pine Avenue, Kingston, ami at other points throughout the island, but only matters of local interest arc announced.. Apparently news of the outside world bus to await the arrival of newspapers from other countries. In an interesting little booklet entitled ■'Paradise in the Pacific.” Mr. M. 11. Tustin describes some of the poctlliarities of this happy little island. There are, ho says, no internal mail or telegraph services, and the postmaster is nlso the sole member of the island police force. The cost of living appears to be no prob-

lent here. There are no rates or taxes, but every adult must -work- for 15 days per annum on road work until he reaches the age of 55 years. Burial is free. There are savings banks, but these do not make advances. As a result credit is practically unknown, and visitors are advised to bring cash or banknotes to tide them over their stay. Rich in historical background and endowed with a beautiful climate, Norfolk Island is developing considerable interest in its attractions ns a tourist resort. Fishing, shooting and bathing arc announced as attractions for the tourist, but the average New Zealander having such sport available in his own country, will possibly be more interested in the picturesque features of the island itself and the customs of its people. Tropical fruits .and flowers, growing in the midst of such historical settings as mark the earlier, and sometimes grim, activities of the island, offer .something that cannot he duplicated in the Dominion. The industries of Norfolk Island appear io have undergone considerable changes in the passing of half a century. During the Maori War the islanders exported beef to New Zealand, but to-day the dairying industry lias been neglected to such an extent that butter is imported from the Dominion. The grow- ’ ing of fruit is now the primary mdusr'ln a brief reference to the dairying industry-the booklet states- that soenti; fie diiirv-farming. pig-raising and poul-trv-furniing are promising industries, as the demands of the population, exceed the supply of commodities arisuig out of sueh enterprises.' Fortune-sceker.s. it savs. mav confidently embark industries, but they must work or bring (heir own labour.' ns ' the islanders', apparently do not lend themselves 'out for employment of that nature.