NORFOLK ISLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7569, 23 February 1886, Page 6

NORFOLK ISLAND.

[TBOM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] .• February 12. : The news brought by the Aurora on Sunday last is moat momentous, in that if it comes to pass it will, may be, alter andjohange cur politioal life altogether. It seems, by the newspaper reports—we have not heard officially—to be the intention of the Imperial authorities to get rid of the Government of our island, ana transfer it to that of New Sooth Wales. The people, for a wonder, took matters very coolly, and surprise was only felt that we were not obliterated altogether from the memories of the Downing-street officials. Much was promised before the exodus from Fitcairn, little or nothing waa ever done ; during our sojourn hare, thirty long years, we hav9 been left almost, if not entirely, to our own resources. As a colony, we are recorded as a failure. Sir William Denisoc, who imported _ us without giving time even for acclimatising, recorded the fact, and the fact has so remained—in the official mind—ever since. But, like everything else, there are extenuating circumstances. Notwithstanding official displeasure, we survive; handicapped by no mean difficulties tooirregular communication, bad whaling seasons, and for the last three years increasing and distressing drought—we hold our own; and physically, morally, and industrially are, I am proud to say, no disgrace to the name we bear, Governors and Bishops to the contrary notwithstanding. 1 was informed by the Chief Magistrate yesterday that no steps would be taken until official intimation had been received from His Excellency ; then, no doubt a publio meeting will be held, when one will be able to tell which way the wind blows with the general publio. With regard, to the transfer there may be some difficulty. We cannot submit to be delivered over bound hands and feet. By Her Majesty's " Letters-in-Counoil" we are allowed to retain certain privileges and customs which cannot be taken away except by our own free will. The electing of magistrates, and making our own laws, always of oourse being confirmed or rejected by His Excellency (be it known that the Governor of New South Wales holds a separate commission as Governor of Norfolk Island) was one of these privileges, and up to the present time recognised by each successive Governor. Talking to several of the older members, some of them ex-magistrates, on the subject, they do not appear to care who is top-sawyer, Britain, or New South Wales; but let the local executive system be menaced, and then I fancy you will hear a howL The adjourned New Year's Day meeting was held on the Friday fortnight following (January 15), and again a large attendance greeted the new Magistrate, Mr. Stephen Christian, who appears to be getting very popular. Although the proceedings were very orderly, there was at tunes a tendency to drift away ; but the new ruler so adjusted matters that he steered clear of any discord. Public work it was arranged should be the same as in other years, 3£ days in each month, «o also the clearing away of the scrub pests, the prickly solanam; and the tobacco stuff was to be pro rata, according to the number of stock held. A school committee and a atock committee, were appointed to see into things, which finished the more important part of the day's proceedings. The long and vexatious drought has at length broken up. Rain began to fall on the evening of the 19th January, and it has been raining at Intervals since, above eight inches having been gauged. On the night of the 21st five inches fell, causing the flooding of the low lands about the town. Never since 1878 have we had suoh a downpour. There was not a drop too much, however, for the thirsty ground. Our grazing land, that awhile ago was brown and burnt up, not a blade of grass to be seen, is now luxuriently green, and there is a good bite everywhere. Gathering bitter experience (sowing in tears) from the past, our farmers, too, have been making good use of their opportunities, and have planted vast quantities of kumeras and other produce, and there is as yet no abatement of energy. The elocution contest given by the Kingston Club on the 25th January was in many respects, as compared with others that have gone before, a remarkable success. The programme was relieved by vocal music, and there were a number entirely new to most of the audience ; a dialogue given in character from "William Tell" was very creditably done. The recitations showed a marked improvement, due in a great measure no doubt to the coaching of the Rev. A. Penny, who took some trouble to get the aspirants into trim. Messrs. Douglas, Quintal, and George Nobbs run a dead heat for first place, and were bracketed together. The authorities, it is stated, have been making a survey of the Cascade Pier, in view of laying down a tramway from where the carts unload to the landing place. It would no doubt be a work of great utility, but it is a question if we have the neeessary materials or experience to carry out such a job, insignificant as it is. Nevertheless it is worthy of consideration, and any scheme to do away with the terrible break-neck work necessitated by the present mode of working would be a boon indeed. The nuptials.of Miss Anna Wallen, neioe of Mr. George Bailey, of the Short Ridgee, and Mr. Reuben Christian, were celebrated in the Town Church by the Rev. J. Palmer, of St. Barnabas, on the 27th ult. The Southern Cross will make an intermediate trip it seems before the voyaging season commences, and is expected down next week with the Bishop, Dr. Codrington, and no doubt a host of others. Bath gentlemen just mentioned will meet with a hearty welcome. • The Aurora leaves this afternoon for Auckland with a cargo of bone and several pas* eengers. _________