NORFOLK ISLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7001, 25 April 1884, Page 5

NORFOLK ISLAND.

[FBOM OUR. OWS COBEESFONDENT.J

March 22. The arrival of the Fairy Queen from Auckland to-day brought us a very large mail, and very welcome news, our latest being December 15 from your port.-.

The annual election of officers took place as usual oil Boxing Day, the outgoing three after beiug'uuseated, were re-elected—Mr. Francis M. Nobbs, Chief Magistrate; and Messrs. Seymour Buffott, First Councillor; and Allau Buflett, Second Councillor. The proceedings were very quiet. The pow-wow, however, on the 2nd January, when the laws are read over, and the swearing in takes place, was exceedingly lively, but everything was amicably arranged before two p.m., including a new Act; "Voteby Ballot,"which, after strong opposition, was passed. At a subsequent public meeting, held on the 17th January, this Act, as also the publio work days, were confirmed.

There was a drought the latter part of last and the beginning of this year, which will be remembered as having nearly ruined the corn crop. Since then regular and copious rains; have fallen, and kumara planting has been piously attended to. It has been stated that; the Miseion lost five acres of kumaras by thei drought just mentioned. .

Articles of partnership were lately signed by a young couple, George (Powder) Quintal, and Gertrude Christian, the Bishop performing the ceremony in our church on the 30th January.

The mumps have died out at the Mission, but unfortunately are present in our community, and although not dangerous, are disagreeable. : ■■■.' : ~ ' ';■'•.'■

Events at the Melanesian' Mission have nob been many that come under our notice. The Bishop gave a very samptnous feed a little, while;ago, ostensibly to the church choir, but a great many of the'community who were not of that sacred guild attended, and were well satisfied. At early matins on the second Sunday in Lent the Right Rev. Bishop of Melanesia held an ordination in St. Barnabas' Memorial Chapel, at which the Key. Arthur Brittain, of St. Augustine's College, was made a priest. The ceremony ■ was very imposing, and on its conclusion the right.rev. prelate entertained his congregation to breakfast in the hall. The Lent crusade ia .being diligently carried ont, the attendances biu»j» r~—r".%.'" J .'**i»>tive.