[?]Ocially-Riven Norfolk Is Pleased By Duke

[?]ter to the Editor

HE recent visit of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was some thing that will never be for

;ten on Norfolk and. The Duke’s ightful inform ty was like a lath of fresh to Norfolk land, where ya 11 y to the >wn is very mg. On many asions and in ormal meetings left a few *ery words that I long be talked >ut. The Duke’s isideration (and fence) before iva t e photo phers was out nding. [e managed to ak away for a ivate tour und the Island.

I it is believed ,t he was really ry not to be 1 e to stay ger.

[is informality was not abused; I this was very evident by the d manners shown after the irch service, where he read the on. The 550 seats of the church e packed—and after the service Duke stood at the entrance for te minutes. The people made a d-circle around him, but all kept olite distance.

NFORTUNATELY, the Govern ment House reception did not provide quite the same story. ) majority here were “Main ders” —owing to the arrange its made officially. A scruffy rcise book was placed at a few cted stores, where those who tied to be asked to Government ise had to place their names, his drew only a few, so invita is apparently were sent out at dom, and they included very few nders and old residents—but iday-makers and tourists seemed swell the ranks. However it i “mainland” residents who dis ced bad manners by pushing mselves forward, or trying to ’act more than their share of aition than was wise or nice. ! behaviour of the few Islanders sent was exemplary. [any were disappointed because i official party did not take the n of the Island traditional picnic, i my opinion, this Island com tiity will not pull together whilst

so many want a change in Admin istration. The normally most popular functions of the year have been a

“flop,” through lack of support. The reason is clear.

But an ignored and consequently sullen people are not likely to be considered in this matter —so, if it suits the Minister, we may ex pect another extension of the pre sent regime.

The law of averages must work

HRH Duke of Edinburgh placing awreath on War Memorial on Norfolk Island.

out. Some joyous day we shall have a more humble and less wasteful Administration, that will seek to represent the Island people in their reasonable needs — rather than this most expensive bureaucracy.

I am, etc.,

W. N. Selby Newbald.

Norfolk Island, January 5, 1957.