LORD HOWE ISLAND

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LX, Issue 16, 28 February 1939, Page 4

LORD HOWE ISLAND

ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES

The Chief Secretary in the New South Wales Government, Mr Gollan, upon his return to Sydney after investigating various problems on Lord Howe Island, said that legislation would be introduced this year which, he hoped, would solve many of the island's problems.

Mr Gollan said that one matter that was causing concern on Lord Howe Island was the diminishing trade in Kentia palm seeds. At one time, the export of seeds had been very profitable, but many people who had made a living out of it were now making nothing.

"It may mean that some of the young men of the island will have to be found employment on the mainland," he added. "That is another question that will have to be decided. These people must be assimilated in some employment. If the tourist trade g*TOws there will be outlets in shopkeeping, in running fishing boats, and, perilaps, in the conduct of a small golf course." \

Mr G. M. Kirby, proprietor of The Pines, one of tHe two large guesthouses on Lord Howe Island, said that one of the greatest difficulties was that no one had titles to any land,. No one had security of tenure. Only permissive occupancy was granted.

"Mr Gollan has given us great hope that this and other problems will be overcome," Mr Kirby stated. "In fact, he is the first man of authority who has given us any real hope. He visited every home on the island, and studied every question from every angle."

There were not enough tourists every year to make th~e'~scheme profitable for all. The Morinda made 16 trips a year to the island, and the average number of people who landed at the island on each trip was fewer than 40.

"The Morinda is an old ship, and unsuitable to our needs," stated Mr Kirby. "We want more frequent visits and ships with better passenger accommodation. We have at present no link with New Zealand. Under present shipping arrangements, we have less than half the year to work on."