Norfolk Island

To those who have been there, the name alone of the island suddenly suggests many things. Among others, memories run to giant pine trees; of a period of enforced but total abstinence; of ruins; of a curious and gentle people; of red dust, and much of it; of an incalculable quantity of water, as compared with a mere fragment of land; of, in fact, many things. The average visitor, in place of indulging in thoughts of the historical Bounty and the mutineers, and closely examining into the authentic details of the story of Pitcairn as told by these islanders, who are not yet too proud to admit acquaintance with anything of the kind, is, it is to be feared, more and deeply occupied in attempting to solve the "drink problem."

Somehow, the vessels that make the island seem to have a habit of approaching it during the night. In which case, dropping anchor, they proceed to get their mails ready, and their hatches off, prepared to discharge any cargo they may be carrying for the residents. Repeated blasts from the steam whistle notify the islanders of the arrival of the vessel. These having no effect, rockets, or detonators, are sent up, which arouse the echoes from the hills, and send them resounding throughout the island. But its people are not going to turn out for a few letters and newspapers and a bit of cargo. Therefore, the steamer's people, realising this, presently turn in. One would imagine that long experience would be effective in teaching them what to expect. Nevertheless, the performance is religiously gone through with at each visit, During the morning, some time after breakfast the whale boats arrive, filled with placid natives, who, in reply to strong and vivid protests, and arguments in favour of hurry, merely smile depreciatingly, and promise amendment for the future.