NORFOLK ISLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Issue XVI, 3 December 1879, Page 6

NORFOLK ISLAND.

[from our own correspondent.] November 25. Tub Memorial Chapel will soon be occupied. The mason is laying the marble pavement in the aisle, and when that is finished Mr. Codrington says they will move in. The woodwork contractor has abandoned his contract, and what remains to be done will, we suppose, be finished by their own staff. Diarrhoea appears to be getting prevalent among the children. The doctor reports three or four cases on his visiting list, one rather serious. Last Wednesday, 19tb, the inauguration exhibition of the newly organised Norfolk Island Horticultural Society %vas held on the ground of Mr. Thos. Baffitt, at Longridge. The spot chosen was one of exceptional beauty—an open glade under some widespreading olive, English oak, and chesnut trees, tho opening being sufficiently large to accommodate everything and everybody comfortably. The means of the committee being limited, no spacious marquee was provided, but simply rustic tables round about for exhibitors to display their goods. As the weather was beautifully fine, this was perhaps rather a gain ; and it is to bo hoped that their means in this respect will always be limited. The day was observed as a close holiday, and by common consent it was a general picnic, most of the residents, community, and mission being on the grouud early. The exhibits in the vegetable line all round wero very superior and far exceeding expectations. Some large specimens of yams and Irish and sweet potatoes were shown ; also, manufactured arrowroot by nearly all. In the flower department the display was poor, although there was profusion enough. The competitors for the nosegays did not display that amount of skill one would expect. Mrs. Colenzo, of the mission, exhibited some rare potplants, but not for competition. Mr. Thoinaa Rossiter, had, perhaps, the best geaeral collection, his t*ble making a grand display of native products; so, also, had Mr. F. M. Nubbi (the magistrate), Mr. Johnstone Nobbs, and the Rev. C. Bice (the superintendent of agricultuie at the mission). After the judges had got through their arduous duties, and the president had read out the list of the prize-takeis, everybody being hungry, there was a general rush, aud in a very few minutes the place was surrounded with snow-white table cloths, and picuicing in good earnest commenced. There was no scarcity of good thiugs, the piece de wiVa/icebeingturkey and plum pudding, backed up by that indigenous delicacy known as "lemon tart." The beverages, too, would have delighted any apostle of temperance, being simply water and delicious bohea. After dinner, the prizes wore paid over by the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Metcalfe, who intended to make a speech, put didn't get a chance, and the afternoon was spent in promenadiug and listening to the amature band provided by the committee, but who gave their services gratuitously. Perched on a raised platform, on one side, they played and Bang during the day, with excellent taste. Tho affair has been characterised by the islanders, themselves, as a mo3t brilliant success, and the committee deserve the greatest praiie for their tact and perseverance, not forgetting the ladies and gentlemen at the mission, who not only assisted with their presence aud advice, but with their purses alio. It is to be hoped it will be the commencement of an era in island society, that will lead on to "fresh fields aud pastures new,''in the industry line. Of course it was followed by the usual ball, honoured by the presence of the viceregal party, the court-room being especially decorated for the occasion. The following is the list of prize-takers in the order named :— Irish potatoes ; Mr. Alfred Nobbs, Ist prize ; Mr. Julius Christian,2ud. Sweet potatoes: The "Mission," Ist prize ; Mr. John Young, 2nd. Yams : The " Mission," Ist prize ; Mr. Stephen Christian, 2nd. Onions : Mr. Howard Christiar, Ist prize ; Mr. Cornish Quintal, 2nd. Cabbages : Mr. T. Rossiter, Ist prize. Cucumbers : Mr. F. M. Xobbs, Ist prize. Peas aud beaus : Mr. T. Rossiter, Ist prize. Carrots, turuips, and lettuce: Mr. T. Rossiter, Ist prize. Pineapples : Mr. Stephen Christian, Ist prize; Mr. Charles Evans, 2nd prize. Arrowroot : Captain Bates, Ist prize ; Willie Quintal (Broken Bridge), 2ad. Bananas: Mr. Walter Waaro, Ist prize ; Mr. John Buffett, 2nd. Peaches (school children) : Edward Buffett, Ist prize ; George Nobb?, 2nd ; George Young, 3rd. Hats and baskets: Mrs. William Christian, Ist prize ; Mrs. Priscilla Quintal, 2nd. Ferns : The Misses Buffett, Ist prize; Miss Jemima Buffett, 2nd. Flowering plants: Mrs. Young, Ist prize ; Miss Alice" Quintal, 2nd. Roses (cut) : Mr. T. Rossiter, Ist prize. Carnations (cut) : Mrs. Snell, Ist prize. Best arranged nosegay : Mrs. Bates, Ist prize. Host arranged nosegay (for school children): Miss Harriet Nobbs, Ist prize. Weather for October:—Raiu fell on 13 days, I-43in. Barometer: Highest, 10th, 3002; lowest, 14tb, 2964. Thermometer : Highest, 30th, 73'; lowest, Stb, 49-; highest black bulb on 22nd, 147 \ Wind : Ea-st 13 days, west 12 days.