NORFOLK ISLAND HOLIDAY

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1929, Page 7

NORFOLK ISLAND HOLIDAY

EARLY CONVICT SETTLEMENT. BEAUTIFUL AS ENGLISH PARK. Holiday impressions of Norfolk Island gained by Miss M. J. McCormack, Whareroa, during a stay of six weeks on the island were given a News representative yesterday. Miss MeCormack sailed from Auckland by the Government vessel Maui Pomaro on December 18. The heavy seas of the Pacific break against the high, rocky cliff's of the island, which in places rise to some hundreds of feet above sea level. Ihe island, which is 13} square miles in area, may be compared with an English park. Grassy slopes and valleys stuffed everywhere with the magnificent tallgrowing Norfolk Island pines and huge oak trees, present a very beautiful scene. Mount Pitt (1039 feet), which is forest clad, is the highest point on the island. Kingston on the south coast and Cascade on the north are the two landing places. The former is used when the wind is blowing from the north, while Cascade is a safe landing in southerly weather. Here stone piers were constructed many years ago. Whale boats, which are plied to the vessels anchored, sometimes as far distant as a mile from the shore, form the only means or transport for passengers and cargoes. Manned by efficient islanders, many ot whom are experienced whalers, the boats provide safe although at times decidedly excitinr trips. - Of the history of the island much can be written. The ruins of the old convict settlement of which the late M- cus Clarke wrote in the concluding chapters of his novel “For the Term, of His Natural Life,” impress one on arrival at Kingston. The roads are unmetalled—dusty in the dry weather and muddy in the wet season—consequently they are unsuitable for motor vehicles, of which there are about 30 on the island. The men of the island maintain the roads in lieu of taxation. The climate is similar to that of Honolulu. There is little variation in temperature throughout the year. V aim days are followed by cool nights. The thermometer ranges between 56 and 82 degrees with a mean temperature ot ub degrees, while the average annual rainfall is 43 inches. _ , • The island was discovered by Laptain Cook in 1774, but it was not occupied until four years later. the first Governor of New South Wales sent Lieutenant King (afterwards Governor of New South Wales) with _ a party of 24 persons to occupy the island* This party included 15 male and female convicts. For some, years later “convict settlers’’ were sent to the Eland. where they cleared land and grew quantities of foodstuffs, which were shipped to the large penal settlement established at Port Jackson. In 1800 the British Government issued instructions for the abandonment of the island. All cultivation and improvements were abandoned and the island remained uninhabited until 1826. In 1825 it was decided to re-occupy Norfolk Island as a penal settlement for the reception and incarceration of ii.corrigible male convicts. Commodious stone prisons and fortified barrack.for the troops sent to guard the convicts were erected. The inscription on the old three-storied barracks (now used as the courthouse) shows that they were built in 1839, while the beautiful arched gateway at Kingston, known as the Hamping Gate, bears above the keystone the inscription “A.D. 1827.” In 1855 the convict settlement was withdrawn and it was decided to offer the island to the Pitcairn Islanders as _ a settlement in lieu of their lonely Pitcairn Island. In 1856 the Morayshire dropped anchor at Kingston with the whole’ population of Pitcairn Island, numbering 194. In 1914 the Commonwealth of Australia took over the administration as a territory of the Commonwealth. The Governor-General of the Commonwealth has since 1913 exercised jurisdiction over the island and Iras appointed resident administrators who combine with their office that of chief magistrate. “The death occurred of the administrator, Judge Herbert, during my stay on the island on January 22,” said Miss McCormack. “He was aged 08 years. Prior to hip appointment as administrator of Norfolk Island in 192£, Judge Herbert had been in office in the Papuan Islands for 18 years. On Norfolk Island he succeeded General Selheim, whose death occurred in 1928. Only those closely associated with the island can fully realise the very great loss the judge’s death is to the island, although he was in residence only a few months. His great knowledge of law was most helpful in the consolidation of matters pertaining to -the government of the island, particularly in the re drafting -of the by-laws. “The inhabitants are divided into two classes —the islanders and the mainlanders. The islanders are a race of self-reliant people, and the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty, who ™ ed 0,1 lonel Y Pitcairn Island in 1/89, and of the Tahitian women who accompanied them. The islanders arc most hospitable and receive visitors with the greatest courtesy and kindness. Most of them are dark-skinned, showing their Tahitian descent, while some are decidedly fair. The islanders speak good English to strangers, but among themselves they speak a liimo which is a survival of. the pidgin English spoken between the Bounty’s men and their Tahitian wives. The mainlanders are those people, not of Pitcairn origin, who since 1856 to the pre' sent day have resided on the island. Gaily potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, lemons, water-rnelons and cucumbers are grown for export and arc much earlier than mainland crops. The leading industry of the island L the growing of bananas, which are exported in large quantities to Sydney. Lemons and oranges grow wild'and ‘ were mowing on the. island when Captain °Cook discoiercd if. Magnificent palms orow m abundance, the most beautiful of all being the famous kentia palms of Lord Howe Island.

“Bird life on the island is interesting. Birds of gorgeous plumage are there in large numbers, among which are blue and red parrots, brown and green doves,

pigeons, scarlet breasted robins, fantails, and many others. Californian quail abound and are most destructive, as are the parrots. The Church of England, Methodists and Seventh Day Adventists hold cervices on the island. The Melanesian Mission had its headquarters on the island for nearly half a century. The beautiful little mission chapel, situated in the famous avenue of pines, with its architecture of rare beauty, stands' as a memorial to the late Bishop Patterson. It has windows designed by Burnc Jones, inlaid marble floors and carved altars and pews inlaid with mother of pearl. There arc no newspapers. Notices of local interest are posted on the Tree of Knowledge in Pine Avenue and at other places on the island. Cables are received and transmited by the Pacific Cable Board at Anson Bay. There is no mail or telegraph service and no public telephone service. SENDING BOYS ON THE LAND DEBATE BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE. “I am inclined to think all this talk of Ministers of Education about boys going on the land is nothing but farce,” declared Mr. R. 8. Sage (chairman of the Hawera High School Board) last night, when the headmaster’s report showed a decrease of eight agricultural students compared with last year s figures. They would never get the boys to go on the land, said Mr. Sage. It was farcical and ridiculous. “What is?” inquired Mr. Jennings, a sheep farming member of the board. “All this talk about persuading people to go on the land.” “What do you -suggest ?’’ asked Mr. Jennings. “Give them the land free; that is the only way it can be done,” maintained the chairman. ‘But what about experience?’’ pursued Mr. Jennings. Hard, practical experience was the only way, said Mr. Sage. Let the aspirants find out for themselves. Agreeing on this sentiment, Mr. Jennings asked whether the advantages of going on to the land had ever been put before the pupils. The position was to be debated, replied Mr. Gray, the headmaster. The school’s farmer helper committee was taking the matter up, following a 'Statement by one farmer that capital was necessary as a prior weapon for boys commencing farming. Another member had said that it was possible for a boy without capital to start out and ultimately acquire a farm. The majority of boys were aiming at Massey College to obtain a degree as the key to a good position, said Mr. Jennings. Who were those boys going to teach? he asked. They were not going to be the farmers and were worth not a tin of fish. (Hear, hear!). Mr. Gray had been doing his utmost to furnish an absolutely practical course, said the chairman, but who had wanted it ? Massey College, said Mr. Harding, was open to anyone with or without matriculation. Anyone could pursue a course there. Those people, Mr., Sage considered, should be taught at secondary schools, and for them Mr. Gray had established a course. BODY FOUND IN LAKE. IXAIATE OF OLD PEOPLE’S HOME. The death of an inmate of the Hawera Old. People’s Home occurred yesterday afternoon, evidently by drowning. George Dixon, aged 73, was discovered lying at the bottom of the lake in Noumai Park near the home. Dr. Cairney found that he was dead when he made an examination at about 4 o’clock. An inquest will be held. Au abandoned coat lying on the bank of the pool was«noticed by Miss White, who was passing through the park. She saw the body lying at the bottom of the pool and secured aid from the brewery nearby. That apparently normal health and spirits were enjoyed by Mr. Dixon was remarked by a companion and Mrs. Laing, the matron, after midday. The fact‘that Mr. Dixon's pocket watch was still keeping time after the recovery of the body suggested that it had been in the water only for a short time. Though somewhat bent in f in, Mr. Dixon had been able to walk eely with the aid of a stick. A daughter is residing in Wellington. DAYS OF KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH. VIVID FILM SHOWING IN HAWERA. Gold! Tucked away deep in the hard rock amongst the snow of the Klondike the precious metal caused an upheaval in the lives of thousands of humans who otherwise would have had monotonous existences. One survivor of the hectic days of 1898 sat in the Hawera Opera House last night and saw 12 reels ' of photographs float before him for two hoursl He was Mr. W. G. Gane, Normanby, whose accoutrements used on the trail of’ ’9B when he was one of the prospecting diggers, lie now in the window of Mr. Laidlaw in Hawera. Mr. Gane lived’ again in snowshoes, furtrimmings and trappings in log huts over log fires. He seemed to smell the lamp oil, feel the cold and hear the pulsings of the excited claimants. The “Trail of ’9B” is a vivid picture produced on a stupendous scale among, the same snow, rushing waters and rugged obstac’- as the diggers of 30 years ago encountered. Through it all there runs a story. Filmed in such circumstances the picture has thrills which gripped the attentions of school boys of 12 and men of 80. Suitably attired in the habit of the Klondike,* Mr. C. J. McFadyen, Hawera, prior to the screening recited the poem of Robert W. Service. He lived his piece and created an anticipation of realism in the large house. , The spectator is held spell-bound, as thrill follows thrill with stark, amazing realism. The devastating snow avalanche, the furious swirling waters of the dreaded White Horse Rapid! and the never-to-be-forgotten finale when the hero, spent, hurls a kerosene lamp at the villian and makes of him a flaming torch, to rush here and there in the madness of his agony until he sets the whole city afire — these" are scenes the realism of which has never before been matched on the screen. The picture will be screened until Friday night. A matinee will be held each afternoon as well. SWIMMING AT THE SCHOOL. The following 26 Hawera school pupils have, to February 22, qualified for merit certificates (including proficiency, and learners’ certificates) fox’ swimming a

half-mile continuously: Peggy .Robertson, Jessie Oliver, Dorothy Jones, Jill Hunter, Helen Collins, Mary Thomson, Hermino Evans, Venie Brown, Betty Smith, Elizabeth Evans, Dorothy Pinson, Doreen Brown, Phyllis Bates, Muriel Wright, Iris Nicholas, Maurice Stockwell, Ronald Buckland, Jack Carter, James Collins, Kenneth McGlasliaw, Fred Dallinger, Hubert Bownes, Richard Jones, lan Hunter, Donald Smart, Ray Downey.

Proficiency certificates for swimming 220 yards or more were, io the same date, gained by the following 31 pupils, who also qualified for the learners’ certificates: Jessie Beamish G5O yards, Eileen Johnston 650, Nellie Wasley 550, June Johnston 500, Monda Collins 475, Rona Buckland 550, Doris Gilmore 500, Gwen Bernard' 450, Merle Adamson 450, Alison Watts 450, Jocelyn Lennon 400. Ruth Bray 350, Ola McAnerin 350, Norina Nixon 350, Barbara Thomson 300, Thora Buckland 250, Alison Duffill 500, Anne Bright 500, Zeta Sinclair 250, lan Thomson 500, Charles Mortlock 500, Ivan Lord 450, Colin Nicholas 350, Ray Petersen 350. Brian Clapham 300, Arthur Evans 350, Arnold Hunter 450, Gerald Rawson 250, Jack Gray 250, Jack Ewington 300, George Evans 250. Distance swimming for learners’ certificates lias not yet been completed. CLIMB TO MOUNTAIN TOP. CLUB’S FIRST YEAR CLOSES. Over 50 members of the Mount Egniont Alpine Club climbed to the summit of Mt. Egmont on Sunday, the last expedition on the club’s programme for the initial year of its existence. The weather in the early morning was cold and gusty, while thick mist obscured Fantham’s and the main peaks. Nevertheless, two parties, one comprising 14 members, with Mr. Brian Fiybittle as leader, and the other of 33 members, in charge of Messrs T. F. McKenzie and Rod Syme, set out from Dawson Falls-hostel at about 6.45 a.m. The first party climbed by way of Fantham’s Peak and arrived at the summit at about 11.45 a.m. to be greeted by clear weather and a fine view of the country from Stratford to Kaponga. The climb via Fantham’s Peak was rather heavy on account of the loose scoria.

The other party, which .'ncluded several ladies, ascended the east ridge and arrived at their objective at 1.30 pan. From the top they were treated to an excellent view, as the clouds had dispersed. The first party arrived back at the hoStel at about 1.30 after taking three-quarters of an hour in the descent, while the larger party returned at 4.30 p.m. GENERAL AND PERSONAL. A match for the ferns was played on the Kia Ora croquet greens on Friday. The match was the first played and the winners were Mrs. Dowling and Mrs. Milroy. The conditions of the competition are championship, for players of a handicap of 5} bisques or less. The Dingle Buttons were also played for and wore won by Mrs. Meyrick and Mrs. Burgess, the pervious winners being Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Adamson. Mr. M. Myers, K.C., Wellington, arrived in .Hawera on Friday. Air. L. O. Hooker returned to Hawera on Friday from Wellington, where he spent’ a few days on winter show business. Mr. ’F. C. Spratt, Wellington, who will act for the Hawera Electric Company in the arbitration -case with the South Taranaki Power Board, arrived in Hawera on Friday.

Helplessly drunk, a Maori and a wabine were discovered by Constable Thomason in a right-of-way off Albion Street on Saturday night. There was nothing to sh * how the wahine had procured the liquor, said Sergeant Henry, in reply to Mr. Townsend, J.P.. in the court yesterday. They had no liquor on them." A fine’of 11 in each case was the penalty.

Some time ago Mr. A. J. Glasson, of the Agricultural Department’s staff, forwarded to Wellington a grub which was found by a farmer at Whakamara eating the root and stem of ragwort. He has no/W received report from the entomologist in Wellington that the grub is known as the homoeosima vagclla. Though the grub has done some °ood in attacking the ragwort, it- is considered not sufficient to control the weed.

At the Mokoia Hall to-night, a ball will be held unde the auspices of the Legion of Frontiersmen. Boulton’s orchestra will provide the music and the programme will include old-time dances, A free bus will leave Latham’s garage, Regent Street, at 7.5 p.m.

R. P. Morrksey and Co. announce a sale of seasonable fruits, vegetables and produce at their Union Street rooms at 11 a.m. to-day.

Mr. W. A. Spragg left Hawera yesterday. en route for Auckland on business. He hopes to return on ednesday.‘

Messrs E. 7. Hunt and F. C. Spratt, Wellington, were guests at the weekly luncheon of the Hawera Rot.try Club yesterday.

Mr. A. Lees, of Okaiawa, left last evening, in company wiHi other members of the Tar., rnki Education Board, on a tour of i-spection o. the Ohura district. The party will be occupied on the tour for several days.

Mr. J. A. Ross, town clerk at Manaia. commenced liis duties yesterday.

A meeting of the Manaia Hibernian Sports Club was held on Saturday evening. Mr. J. A. Hansen presiding over a •■-rood attendance. Arrangements were discussed for the forthcoming sports meeting on March 23 and the same officials as last year were appointed. Several new members were elected. Donations of medals and trophies were acknowledged. It was also decided to present a miniature cup to each holder ot tho main cups on the return of these.

T. Johnson is the winner of the Manaia ' Bowling Club championship this year.

Bv advertisement in to-dav s issue Messrs. Christie Bros, and Innes announce that they have commenced business at Manaia as land, stock and commission agents and they are able to offer buyers an extensive list of , South Taranaki properties.

Attention is drawn to the fact that the Stratford Technical High School is conducting an excursion train at cheap rates to New Plymouth during the visit of H.M.S. Duneclin on February 28. An advertisement <appears ou another page.

The Tokaora ’ settlers will hold their annual picnic and sports in Mr. V. Mills’ paddock, next to the school, to-morrow. The programme, providing for 3-1 events, is a varied and attractive one including events for running, horse classes, boys’ races, ladies’ races, motor competitions, and Highland dancing. Numerous races for children will provide fun for the little ones. Entries for the amateur athletic events closed on Saturday. The Highland Pipe band will be in attendance during the sports. In the evening a dance and euchre tournament will be held in the hall. The proceeds of the day are hi aid of the hall funds.