NORFOLK ISLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7759, 4 October 1886, Page 5

NORFOLK ISLAND.

' [from our own correspondent.] ; September 16. The American whaler Milton, going to the Bay direot this afternoon, affords us an extra opportunity of writing, which, considering the few mails wo have is, as may be imagined, quite a boon. ■ Since I last wrote three American whalers have put in an appearance, and in fact are here now, making things brisk, as they want lots of supplies in the shape of vegetables, and their trade is much appreciated. The Milton, Captain Potter, was the first to arrive, and has been unfortunate in that she has only taken 85 barrels since leaving New Bedford 15 months ago. The Swallow, Captain Mclnnes, has been more fortunate, having secured 2900 barrels in 41 months, 120 of which have been taken since leaving the Bay last May. Still Captain Mclnnes' joy is not unmixed, as I gather he is much dissatisfied at the low price of oil ruling. The last to come was in the Alaska, still in charge of oar old friend Chptain Fisher, who it seems has not brought out hid old luck with him on this now voyage, although he has not done bo bad, having captured 600 in 14 months. Our own whaling is not turning out so profitable as was at first anticipated, entirely on account of the weather, whioh this year has been exceptionally boisterous and severe. Although no record is kept, I doubt if there have been as much as ten good whaling days since the boats were launched two and a>half months ago, and to add to their woes, boatheaders complain bitterly of the many misses made by their "steerers." No whales have been captured sinoe the date of my last report, and indeed until yesterday the boats have been unable to venture out. September, I may observe, is generally the worst part of the season, as during this month the schools break up, and towards the latter part the cows and calves come in ; so that although whales are scarce, it is nothing unusual, and what really is expeoted at this time. I hope, however, to have a more hopeful report to make when the cows and calves do show up, that is if the weather is at all propitious. Since the advent of the Commissioner and the surveyor's party, there has been a continual round of festivities, and as all these dignitaries are unmarried, there is a consequent flutter of excitement amongst our eligible young ladies, and it would not be at all surprising if the parson did not have a job before the survey is finished. The Commissioner has regular days for lawn tennis parties ; and the surveyors, whom, by the way, the people will persist in calling "sappers," have "At Homes" at their camp on Saturday afternoons* which are socially very pleasant and agreeable. Add to this, the first-mentioned (who is a capital musician) has a class of young ladies and gentlemen for part singing, and you will gather that we are living in high style just at present. But everything has its alloy, and our astute Commissioner is playing his cards well, so that when this vexed annexation business comes again on the carpet he will no doubt expoot to gain many converts, as I have no doubt he will. For my own part, if we are to be annexed at all, the proper place for us to go is to where we send what we produce and whence we draw our supplies, and to where all our letters are addressed—our true mater—New Zealand.

| The local events have been few and unimportant of late. A concert given a week or so ago by the Kingston Club, under the supervision of Mr. Wilkinson, was a touch above the common, and rather a grand affair. The part singing was exceptionally good, one number, "On the March," being especially so, and took my fancy above all. One of the " Sappers," a Mr. Martin, who is a clever ventriloquist, besides being an excellent comic singer, was, however, all the rage with the audience, which was large and appreciative. By far the most recherche affair of the kind ever attempted here, was the conversazione of the Horticultural Society, which took place on the 9th instant. 1 The arrangements—an entirely new depar--1 ture, were matured by the genial hon. treasurer, Dr. Metcalfe, who, I' may say, is the leading spirit— the form of a lectureroom, andone for refreshments and objects of art and interest. Of course it all had a tendency to drain the pockets of & long-suffering public, and that it was effective the coffers of the society abundantly prov'o. The Kingston Club gave up its quartofri for the evening, and the court-room, looking clean and sweet from recent renovation, was also appropriated. This latter was set apart for refreshments, and was decorated. Well, I never remember seeing anything more effective and beautiful than the chaste floral emblems in this large room, and only palm fronds and arum lilies were used. Ranged round tho room, too,) in a perfect sea of flowers, were twelve tables presided over by smiling matrons and-courteous young ladies, whose tea was unexceptionable, and who had all kinds of sweets and condiments to tempt one, and who were not chary of their wares. In the other room the president of the society, the Rev. Dr. Codrington, read the annual address, which was very learned and much valued. Then came Mr. Wilkinson with another of the same kind, and lastly Mr. Icely, another visitor, gave us a dissertation on the tall trees of California, which was very dreary and drowsy. Dr. Metcalfe's dunning appeal, however, which followed, woke everybody up, and there was an adjournment to the next room, which was much more pleasant, and there a most agreeable evening was spent. The opening of the Wesleyan Chapel under Pastor Phelps, on the 15th August, the building of which I have already adverted to, has been an event of some moment in the annals of the struggling beginning of the the church.' Pride and satisfaction no doubt was mixed with their glory on the first Sunday morning, and, if there was, who can blame them ? Have they not a home and a place! It is all the produce of their strong right arm, and the patient guidance of their faithful pastor; but Mr. Phelps and his determined little flock wili find many crosses yet to endure, and will have to give and take of that greatest of gifts yet, before perfect rest is reached. The chapel has been open on every night since, and services of a revival nature have been going on with, it is stated, most satisfactory results. I had almost forgotten to mention that the day after the opening, which was also the pastor's birthday, a large feast was given by the associated brethren, which was attended by very many people, inoluding the Royal Commissioner and some of the authorities. The weather, precursor, perhaps, of the equinox, which has been very boisterous, culminated on the 11th, 12th, and 13tb, blowing a hard gale on these days, afterwards moderating, and yesterday and to day it has been passably fine. Oar little local paper, the Pioneer, is to be resuscitated, and will start afresh on the first Monday in October, and will appear on the first Monday in each month thereafter. The differences between Mr. Menges, the comps, and the publishers, have been satisfactorily adjusted, and, as both are repentant, it is to bo hoped no such crisis will again appear.