“Outing” Undesirables

Norfolk Island

Farce

A Brewer Who Spoke

French

From Our Own Correspondent NORFOLK IS., August 20.

WE have recently instituted a new means of getting rid of undesirables, of whom, naturally, we have our share.

This method appears to be strictly legal, but leaves a nasty, unsporting flavour in our mouths. Frankly almost without exception this community wishes that other steps might be taken when the deportation of British subjects from a British territory is deemed necessary.

A month or two ago, a gentleman with no financial resources, inspired with a laudable desire not to come upon the parish, so to speak, brewed and sold a mild, illicit beer; and was declared an “undesirable” within the meaning of the Act.

To facilitate his expulsion he was called before the headmaster of the local State School, who holds university degrees, and required to pass a language test in French. Unfortunately, French appears to be more widely known among this class of delinquent than was imagined. The candidate passed with flying colours and is still upon the island, employed more honourably nowadays with a mattock and hoe.

Last week, another nominee for a free passage westward was put through a Danish test—he might have known French!—at the hands of a Danish settler, with Government officials seated by to see foul play.

This entrant naturally made no attempt to cope with a language that he was probably hearing for the first time in his life; and, with his wife and three children, he leaves us by this Sydney-bound Morinda. Two nights ago he was the guest of honour of a hastily arranged public farewell at the Rawson Hall. All his friends attended. ... ===