On Norfolk Is.

Defence Of New Policies

Letter to the Editor YOUR criticism (January PIM) of the new import duties imposed in Norfolk Island was bunk.

There are few changes.

Kerosene is now free—it was 3d. gallon. Tea is free, at 11/9 lb; also coffee. There is 3d per gall on petrol (6/1).

But there is the item that appears to inflame: Motor cars, lorries, motor cycles, are 10 per cent, ad valorem.

But they are free out of bond, and free of sales tax out of Sydney, fob.

I do not agree with your special correspondent, who seems to have made much ado about nothing. He never mentioned (when discussing expenditure on repairing the build ing at Kingston the amount of work the Islands received at top wages.

Many were employed on these old buildings and the two landing piers —and a splendid job they have done.

One can walk into the Bond with out fear of falling through the floor.

When I came to NI it was the custom, after being here six months, for one to pay 6/- per day for be tween 9 and 15 days, or else engage in public works for those days. At the present time, the six shillings have been increased to £1 per day.

Your correspondent never men tioned that fact, which is the crux of the situation.

The present Administrator is a very fine gentleman, and a good mixer; and if he is a sample of “dictators” let us have more of them!

I am, etc.,

Norfolk Is.

Henry Dent.