TO NORFOLK ISLAND

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 130, 5 June 1925, Page 5

TO NORFOLK ISLAND

NEW STEAMER CONNECTION HINEMOA TO COMMENCE REGU- . LAR ISLAND SERVICE. Another of the islands of the Pacific is to be connected with New Zealand by regular steamer service. The Cook Islands Department has made preparations for the steamer Hinemoa to.make regular trips to Norfolk Island, which is situated about 600 miles north-west of Auckland, as Veil as Niuc Island, at intervals of about two months. Though it is but a tiny spot—a inero speck in the ocean j—when.viewed on tho map, Norfolk Is- | land is abundantly fertile, and is capablo of producing a variety of fruit and ijther produce for export in appreciable quantities. It is anticipated that the scrvico with the island will bo justified liy Irado results. Return freights will consist mainly of oranges and kumeras. Apart from trade aspects, however, Norfolk Island possesses undoubted attractions as a tourist and health resort, and the steamer connection will offer further opportunities.for those who are so' inclined .to make a delightful trip at a minimum of expense. The Hinemoa has undergone complete overhaul, and in other respects has been altered structurally to fit her for the new island service. She has been reconditioned primarily for the Niue Island trade, to take the place of tho Rama, which was wrecked at the Chatham Islands some months ago. The New Zealand port of arrival and departure will be .Auckland. The ship has splendid accommodation for twelve passengers. She is equipped with wireless, and the comfort of passengers will bo catered for in every way. Norfolk Island is under the'administration of the Commonwealth of Australia, and is one of-the main- Pacific,discoveries of Captain James Cook. The history of events which ■ have occurred since he charted it in 1774 are unique in island development. It was settled initially as a convict station from New South Wales, and present-day interest in the island is inevitably associated with the inhumanities and brutal disciplinary methods of those early days. Tho white settlers are the descendants of a number of Pitcairn Islanders who took the place of the convicts when'they were removed from the island in 1856; incidentally, the majority of them are descended from the party of mutineers from tho ship Bounty, who, lifter varied adventures established themselves at Pitcairn in 1789. It is expected that the Hinemoa will commence her new time-table next week when she is scheduled to leave Auckland for Niue. She will make tho first trip to Norfolk Island about three weeks later.