NORFOLK ISLAND’S PROSPERITY INCREASES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19036, 3 April 1930, Page 1

NORFOLK ISLAND’S PROSPERITY INCREASES

POPULATION AND TRADE REPORTED GROWING. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received April 3, 8.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 3. The Administrator’s annual report on Norfolk Island states that the population has increased by thirty during the year, bringing the total to 932, of whom 490 are males. The island is increasing in popularity as a health resort, but is unsuited for cases of pulmonary consumption or asthma. Practically the whole trade is distributed between Sydney and Auckland. in the proportions of 66 per cent and 33 per cent respectively. Imports from Australia increased in four years from £17,369 to £32,193, and imports from New Zealand frOm £1371 to £23,325. The influx of motor vehicles is largely responsible for the increase in imports.

The banana industry continues to expand, and 25,152 cases were shipped last year, compared with 11,068 the previous year. Considerable alarm is expressed at the intention of the New Zealand Government to discontinue the visits of the vessel Maui Pomare, as this would be regarded as a commercial calamity. There is considerable demand for land, but it is difficult to procure. The Administrator points out that it is anomalous that butter and bacon should still be imported in considerable quantities to a fertile island where dairying could be successfully developed.