NORFOLK ISLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12231, 28 March 1903, Page 6

NORFOLK ISLAND.

[FltOM OUR OWN COERESi'OXDEXT.]

March 14. The steamer Titus, Captain. Bibbing, arrived ■fi'om Sydney at four p.m. on the 6th, anchoring off town, where the water was smooth, discharging her mails, passengers, and cargo, and resuming her voyage at noon the next clay. The steamer brought seven passengers for the island, including three additional cable operators.

The island public works commenced on the Ist inst. This is a labour tax levied on all males who have resided on the island six months, between the ages of 13 and. 60; there are, however, a few exceptions, who are required to keep the roads, bridges, and landing places in repair. This year the time lias been reduced to days, as against 21 in preceding years. Of course, this tax is not palatable to - some who have come in, but the Council of Elders consider it is more equitable than a property tax, in that by this law all who use the road* are required to repair them.

The drought has broken up, and the rain has already considerably' altered the aspect of things. Vegetation, which a while ago was brown and burnt up, is everywhere now green and flourishing. Many of the streams are running again, and for the present there is abundance of watg;. The people are availing themselves of the opportunity. and planting has been going on, with avidity. There is a good spring of grass, too, and the grazing stock have picked up wonderfully. Weather notes for February Barometer, highest on 24th, 29.870, lowest on the 18th, 29.666; thermometer, maximum 77, minimum 70; rain on 10 days,' 7.17 in; winds, easterly 25, westerly two days.

Friendly society members are notified in our advertising columns that the Auckland United Friendly Societies' dispensary will open in the Strand Arcade, Queen-street, on Tuesday next, the 31st inst. The medical practitioners attached to the dispensary will then take up their duties. The Salvation Army held very successful harvest festival meetings at their barracks on Thursday and yesterday. _ Large congregations attended each service. A capital musical programme was given at each gathering. To-morrow special harvest festival meetings will be • held at "the barracks at Newton. A number of musical items will be given during the day. Don't go! until you have purchased a trunk or travelling bag from the A 1 stock at Geo. Fowlds'. Trunks offering from 6s lid. Good value.