Norfolk Island Notes

From Our Own Correspondent Mr. C. R. Lambert, Secretary to the Department of Territories, has been on an official visit to Norfolk. He appears to be of the opinion that if we can afford an expenditure of £22,000 per annum on liquor, we should be more self supporting. It must be remembered, how ever, that tourists are responsible for a goodly proportion of that sum.

There is no doubt that the island’s income could be greatly increased if more land were cultivated as recent results have shown from the sale of Norfolk Island green beans (up to 4/7 per lb in Auckland), kumaras, avocados, guavas and cut flowers.

Dr. Stephens, of the Wade Institute, Adelaide, is conducting a soil survey at the invitation of the new Administrator, to ascertain if there is a shortage of mineral elements as alleged by private investigators.

Much to the regret of everyone, Norfolk Island is losing its Medical Officer, Dr.

K. Wise, who is moving to Darwin. He will be succeeded by Dr, Neumann.

A strong resurgence of “Nationalism” was noticeable during the Advisory Council elections, and with the exception of one “Mainlander” councillor, whose term of office has another year to run, the Council is now composed entirely of “Islanders.” This new interest in Council affairs may have been prompted by the Administrator, who, since his arrival, has

shown much social interest in the com munity.

Mr. L. A. Harris, an expert on land titles, has been visiting the island.

Following the re-survey of the island there will be a change over to the system of Torrens titles, old permanent boundaries being recognised as valid.

Mr. G. Buscombe, air port manager, is being transferred to Mascot, his position here being filled by Mr. Holmes.

In Greenslopes Military Hospital in July 1 found three Papuan “Bills.”

Bill Simpson (famous as PXI in W/War II) is still there under treatment. Bill O’Brien, Treasury Officer, was in there for a general check-up. Bill Brazier, Pay Officer, came south with a heavy, deep seated cold, and was undergoing a couple of wee k s’ treatment.—

Sanasi.