NORFOLK ISLAND.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1858, 18 September 1913, Page 7

NORFOLK ISLAND.

TRANSFER TO THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT. By Teleffraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, September 17. In the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Glynn, Minister for Internal Affairs, moved the second reading of tli'o Bill to transfer Norfolk Island to the Commonwealth.. Mr. Thomas (ex-Minister for Internal Affairs) asked, as the island was twico as far from Sydney as Auckland, would it not bo bettor for New Zealand to take it over? Mr. Glynn replied in the negative. Ho added that when Federation was established it was intended that tho control of the island should bo transferred from Now South Wales to tho Commonwealth. Ho pointed out that the exports from the island'last year to New South Wales were valued at £798, and to Now Zealand at £132. The Bill proposed to allow tho islanders' goods to enter Australia free. Mr. Glynn laid stress on tho fact that Norfolk Island was important as a repeating station for tho Pacific cable. The debate was adjourned. The pTeamblo of tho Bill traces the political history of the island from tho earliest times. On September 2D, 18-1-t, tho commission issued by Royal autlioritv severed Norfolk Island from the Goveminent of Now Sontli "Wains, and its control was vested in tho Government of what was then Van Diemen s Land. This lasted until June, 1536, when l>.v proclamation tho land bccamo a distinct and independent settlement under a bovornor appointed by the Imperial authorities. The Governor of New fcouth Wales was for the time being constituted also Governor. In 1837 it was considered expedient that other arrangements should bo made, and once more tho island passed over fu-llv to the administration of Now Routb Wales. The Bill submitted by Mr. Glynn has been designed to give effect to tho eufisrestion that Norfolk Jsland should "bccoroo a third Coiiunon* wealth territory. All law, rules, amirefiliations in force at Norfolk. Island at the commencement of the_ Act aTe to continue, but mar be altered or repealed by ordinance if the necessity arises. Acts of tho Com moil weal till Parliament are, however, .not to apply to the new ternary unless that intention is clearly indicated. The existing Executive Council is to survive, but may smbsequ9nvly.be altered or abolished by ordinance.