NORFOLK ISLAND

Southland Times, Issue 18810, 1 May 1920, Page 8

NORFOLK ISLAND

LAW ABIDING COMMUNITY. Each year the Federal Government receive;-; an intern ding report concerning the doings of the little community at Norfolk Island, which, under an Australian administrator, leads a life of peace and contentment many leagues distant from the shores of the Commonwealth. There arc now about SOO inhabitants of Norfolk island. It was formerly a place of exile for the most incorrigible of the New Pout!) Wales convicts, but long ago they were removed. The present inhabitants fish and grove fruit for a living, and blessed with a climate that is unequalled in the world, they appear quite satisfied to live on their tiny island, which is only five miles long and about two and a half miles broad. When the last census was taken in December, 1918, the population comprised 346 males and 420 females, excluding 49 Melanesians. During the war period the little I community raised about £IO9O for various [ patriotic funds, while 78 natives of Norfolk i Island enlisted in the A.1.F., of whom six j gained commissions and live won military 1 decorations for bravery - in the field, j So law abiding are the inhabitants that | the settlement finds it impossible to provide I a whole-rime jolt for its solitary constable. I Consequently the officer filling this position i also carries nut the duties of gaoler, forest ranger and herdsman, as well as assisting at the signal station when necessary. In the twelve months which ended on June 30 last year there was only one police case which necessitated a trial by jury, while the minor cases numbered merely four, one of whicii was dismissed. Absence of shipping has of late interfered to some extent with the prosperity of the island. In 1918 only seven mails reached the community from Australia.