GEM OF THE OCEAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10417, 22 March 1912, Page 3

GEM OF THE OCEAN.

—— + DESIRABLE PLACE OF ABODE. A CHIUSTCHURCH SCIENTIST'S VISIT. Mr 11. M. Lalug, science master at the Boys' High bcliool, wlio has returned lrom a visit to .Norfolk Island, describes it as a gem of the ocean, with a strangely romantic history. Iu an interview to-day lio said that in the valley on the island nearly all tropical fruits grow luxuriantly. At the time of his visit, tho bloom of the coffeo plant was a magnificent sight Lemons and oranges grew wild in ali parts, and there were bananas, taros. guavas, apples, and JJiany 'other food plants. The inhabitants were divided into three communities. There were the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty, numbering about 700; members of tho Melancsian Mission and Solomon Islanders attached t-o the Mission and members of tho etaff appointed to the cablo station. Tho different communities lived in different parts of tho island, and wero isolated from ono another. Most of tho permanent residents possessed sufficient land to grow sufficient bavas, maize, yams, taros, potatoes, and kumaras for their own requirements, and for flesh foods they depended largely on fish and fowls. Very little money passed between them. A few earned some money in the whaling season by killing tho whales and selling tho oil, but the methods and appliances were antiquated and as tho prices for whale oil wero very low just yo\v, it was hardly worth while to obtain the whales for the oil alone. Small sums also were earned by sending maize and other products to Sydney, but tho market was uncertain and unsatisfactory. Most of the islanders, therefore, lived an easy life in an afternoon land with a lovely climate, where there was very little io do. They wore ruled by a Magistrate, Captnm Eliot. As many of the islanders had an idea that the island had been given to them individually, and not as a cnmimmitv. and as several evictions had taken place, his task had not been a very easy one. Tho position had created a gofid deal of ill-feeling, i which, however, under wise govern-! ment probably would soon disappear. Mr tailing visited tho island on a previous occasion eleven years ago. On that visit he had smiia unpleasant experiences. 'Hie little steamer that took him from Sydney to tho island carried 120 Japanese in the 'tween decks, where they were herded like slaves. They wore fed morning and evening on dry bread and rice, and the place was devoid of sanitarv conveniences. The voyage, from beginning to end, was characterised by discomforts. The steamers that now serve tho island, Mr La ing said, although small and slow, were comfortable, and were well provisioned. The trip from Sydney occupied about five days. Many Svdney tourists spent their holidays on flio island. In that they showed their good taste, as it was hard to imagine a better place for the rest cure or for a quiet residence in which old people wished to prolong their lives. The temperature was remarkably even ; the island was outside of the hurricane belt : the residents were hospitable and kind; accomodation was cheap and comfortable; and the island-was beautiful almost, beyond measure. If there was direct communication, with Auckland, Norfolk Island would bo a very charming wintor resort for tired New Zealnnders,