Parliament To [?]ebate Norfolk Island Soon

[?]ebate Norfolk Island Soon

Australian Minister for )ries, Mr. Hasluck, has told orfolk Island Council that pects amendments to the Jc Island Act to come be

7ederal Parliament during

idget session in August and fiber.

HASLUCK visited the island uring the “Back to Norfolk tions in June and had an in discussion with the Council, aid some of the Council's pre fer a new constitution for the had been tentatively approved ibinet, but other suggested nents could not be incor l in the Act.

Minister asked the Council to him with a resolution stating e Council’s suggested amend to the Act were in accordance tie people’s wishes. This fol a suggestion from Councillor iathie that a referendum should 1 on the proposed constitution. ; olk Island is to be given an istrator -in - Council form of iment and greater authority to local affairs.

“Back to Norfolk” celebrations on the night of June 3 with •attended island show in Raw all organised by the Norfolk Agricultural and Horticultural ier, 30 members of the Norfolk Friendship League arrived

from Australia and New Zealand.

They included the honorary organiser, Mr. H. R. Le Clerc, and the presi dent, Mr. John Christian.

Plans for one of the main features of the celebrations, the traditional Bounty Day festivities, held annually on June 8, were marred by uncertain weather.

The usual procession of Islanders in period costume from the Kingston pier to the cemetery gates, commemo

rating the arrival of the Pitcairners in June, 1856, was cancelled.

The Bounty Day community picnic, normally held beside the north wall of the old prison at Kingston, was held at Rawson Hall. Mr. Hasluck and his party and the Administrator, Major-General R. H. Wordsworth, and Mrs. Wordsworth attended.

On June 9, the Minister spoke at an anniversary service which was held at All Saints Church, Kingston.

Other events included an anni versary concert, sports day and a fish supper.

Rainy conditions persisted through out the celebrations and caused the cancellation of several outdoor functions. A fireworks display fizzled out when torrential rain fell.

The festivities ended with a ball at which the Minister cut a sprightly figure, particularly in the progressive barn dance.

Proceeds from the various events will go to the Norfolk Island Hospital and the Sunshine Club, which cares for the island’s older citizens.

The Minister for Territories, Mr. Hasluck, meets school children during his visit to Norfolk Island in June. Behind him is the Administrator, Maj.-Gen. R. H. Words worth. Photo: Raymond Hoare.