NORFOLK ISLAND

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12077, 22 June 1932, Page 6

NORFOLK ISLAND

LECTURE BV MRS. TATTLE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. In spite of the severe wintry conditions, between thirty and forty of the members of the Pahiatua Women.'s Institute attended the usual meeting, held in the Presbyterian schoolroom yesterday afternoon. The “Ode to Friendship” was sung and the President, Alls W. L. Tattle congratulated members on assembling in such weather and referred to the motto lor the day-. Three new members were welcomed and then business was dealt with. This was particularly- interesting, as some of it dealt with the Dominion Conference to be held in Wellington next month; announcements were made with regard to the special afternoon to be held on the 28th of this month when Aliss Steiwart (of Massey College) will give a demonstration in the Presbyterian -Schoolroom and also with regard to the “Let’si go back” evening of 19th July-. For the former if .was decided that members should bring their usual plate and non-members who are interested and wish to attend be charged Is as this should prove a very interesting and helpful demonstration.

Airs Paterson personally- thanked the members fo-r the keepsake -they had recently sent to her, expressing her happiness in the friendships she had formed during her occupancy- of the President’s chair. Airs Tattle then gave a talk on. her recent visit to Norfolk Island, that interesting little spot in the ocean measuring only- 5 miles by 3 miles, describing the thrilling landing through the one opening in the reef, outside which one is transhipped into large rowing boats and then carried to shore on the crest of the. waves, the wonderful cliffs called “Cascade.” where the waves rush up to a height of even forty feet on a calm day and then “cascade” down again; the beautiful “Norfolk Pines,” the interesting inhabitants, the even .temperature, never exceeding 98 F. or dropping below 62 F., the bush with its tree ferns 60 feet in height, and the fact of being able to bathe in safety, on account of the guardian reef, all the year round in such a climate. There are no rates and taxes to he paid, every man giving two or three clays labour a quarter, or paying someone else to work for him for that time, to keep the ninety miles of road in order. There is no newspaper, but a tree to which reports of the World’s news is attached, or local notices where everyone reads it. The gem of the island is the memorial chapel to Bishop Paterson, and Alra Tattle gave a description of its wonderful interior, with the ends of the pews of .-shell from India, its marble floor, etc. Af-rs Crewe thanked Airs Tattle on behalf of those present for her delightful talk, which was carried byhearty acclamation. The hostesses, Alesdames Scandretfc and Lloyd, then dispensed afternoon tea. This was followed by- a splendidly acted playette, which caused more and more hearty merriment as it progressed, not the least cause of the same being the intensely- realistic costumes of those taking part. Airs Paterson was the little country storekeeper, with her capable inquisitive daughter. Airs Gay. Mrs A. Ross was the friend sitting at the counter gossiping and making remarks as each customer left the shop. Airs J. D. Wilson, the haughty, jumped-up. lady of the big house. Alls 1. Boy-ens, the smartly, up-to-date dressed visitor to the village, and the two pert little village maidens who, “fancy” themselves taken by Peggy Fox and Joan iiarraclough. The- heartiest applause greeted the performers when they tnade tlveir final bows to their feliow members and regret was expressed that more had not been present to witness th© playette. The National Anthem closed a very bright afternoon's meeting.