NORFOLK ISLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6146, 29 July 1881, Page 6

NORFOLK ISLAND.

[from ouk own correspondent.] July 16. We have again an influx of shipping, after being without callers for several weeks. The Norval, Captain McLiver, from Noumea to Auckland with guano, arrived.on the 2nd; the Opotiki, from Auckland, on tho 4th, bringing nearly three months' mails; and (he Southern Cross on the Bth. The s.s. Gunga, from Sydney to Levuka, called in also on the Bth to land Mrs. Palmer and some cargo, sailing for her destination after an hour or two's detention. The ».s. Suva, from Melbourne to Fiji, also communicated on the 12th. The Southern Cross made a fine trip hence to Auckland and back, perhaps the fastest on record. The time occupied was only twelve days and twenty-three hours. This is not the first occasion that I have had to notice Captain Bongard's performances, and the mission maybe congratulated on having a gentleman in command who appears to hare the happy knack of knocking their vessel about with skill and ability.

The whaling boats were launched on tho 4th instant, from the pier, six of them, four No. 1 Company, two No. 2 Company. The day, however, was not propitious, so a move was nmde for the Cascades, where they hauled up. Ono or two assisting to discharge the Opotiki arrived that morning. The rest of tho week it was blowing hard, and unfit for whaling. Monday, 11th, was a good day, and a fresh start was made. The boats succeeded in getting fast and landing a whale. Fred Young (old Fred) of No. 1 Company was the fortunate captor. Tho whale is at present under manipulatioo, and will, it is stated, make four and a-half tuns when tried out.

The Southern Cross took her departure for the Islands on the llth, taking the Itev. K. H. Codrington, J. Palmer, and a large batch of return boys, the distinguished Santa Cruz visitors, and one or two other potentates, also return in the vessel. The Santa Cruzians, who, by the way, appear to be fine intelligent fellows, are said to have enjoyed their visit very much. The Rev. Wadrokal accompanies them, and will resume his teachings on the Island. Oar good friend, Mr. Codrington, proceeds with the vessel on this trip, and his genial and cheery presence will be sadly missed by us all. The Eev. C. Bice will be, in consequence, what in vulgar parlance is called "top-sawyer" at the Mission, and is in fact sole representative on the home premises of their large staff; consequently, his hands will be full.

Speaking of this gentleman, I may mention that a pleasant re-union took place at the house of the ex-magistratC', Mr. F. St. Nohbs, a few nights ago, the occasion being a supper given by his Sunc!ay-school scholars to 51>. Bice, on his return from the Islands. The affair is reported to have been above the average, and rather brilliant and enjoyable. The weather has keen exceedingly boisterous lately. Last week it was blowing heavens hard," with intervals of terrific rain squalls; beginning at E., it edged to S., and got as far as S.S.W., where it moderated some, and hauled back, then a day in the N.E. with torrents of rain round to N.W. and "W., where it still hangs blowing hard. Both schooners were blown off for several days, much to the chagrin of the masters, but are now at anchor at the Cascades, the Norval sailing for Auckland thla afternoon, and the Opotiki taking in cargo for Noumea.

The skilful management of the whaleboat, for which our Norfolk Islanders are noted, was called into play during the late prevailing rough weather. The surf was running high, and dangerous for days together, and to prevent unnecessary delay the cargoes of the Southern Cross and Opotiki were landed under exceptionally adverse circumstances. The object waa accomplished without accident to life, and notwithstanding the marvellous ekill and dexterity displayed, two boats were badly stove; men were washed off the landing rock, and on one occasion the crew had to breach into the boiling sorf to save their boat from utter destruction. These little episodes, beyond plenty of fun and chaff from the men employed and spectators, being little regarded. . . ■

Mr. Thomas Kossiter, of Hungry Flat, killed a pig last month that cleaned SUlbs, which perhaps deserves notice. Some' years ago he tells me that he killed one that weighed nearly 7001bs. when cleaned.

The health of the Island is good. The community are somewhat frightened at the smallpox scare in Sydney, and the doctor, in consequence; has posted a notice that he will vaccinate anyone, young or old, next Monday. Meteorological :—"Weather for June : Barometr—highest on 28th, 3010 ; loweet on 9th, 29*26. Thermometer—maximum 2nd, 71; minimum 14th, 64. Raid on 17 days' gauging, 7'4C inches. Prevailing winds westerly.