OUR SMALLEST COLONY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 11, 11 May 1881, Page 4

OUR SMALLEST COLONY.

■*, ■— — — The following interesting information is from tbe Colonies and India of January 4, 1879: — " ' Our smallest colony/ a report by Rear-Admiral De Horsey to (he Admiralty, giving particulars of a visit paid by bim on board 8.M.8. Shuh to Pitcairn Island, on September 8, i-.fJords an interesting view of tbe condition of the smallest colony of tbe British Crown. The only part of Brilifch territory lying in the vbbl trian-

gle between Vancouver's Island, Fiji, and tie Falklr nd Islands, and far out of the way of all regular intercourse with tbe rest of the world, so that an annual visit from one of tbe Queen's ships is hailed by the inhabitants aa an eventful incideut in fhei? monotonous existencp, Pitraim Island is really a separate* British colony; and, a-* Admiral De Horsey etßtofl. ' Her Majesty the Q-ieen does not poetess in any part of the world mere loyal and fcffectionafe subjects than this little knot of Battlers.' The people are part of the community descended from the Bounty mutineers, who, having been removed from this island to Norfolk Island in 1856, retut ned back to their criminal homes in two parties in 1859 and 1864. When taken to Norfolk Island they numbered 198 soule— 96 ma'ea and 102 females; he descendants and Eurvivors of those wl o re'umed to Filcairn Island now number 41 males and 49 females, the oldest of whom is Elizabeth George, eight-eight years of age, a daughter of one of the ten actual mutineers who took part in tha events of 1789, and reached the island in that year. The small conmunity h eaid to be heslthy, moral, ahd religion*; they are governed by a * magistrate and chief ruler in subordination to Her M .jeety the Queen of Great Britain,' whose duties are merely nominal, for no cess of crime of any kind— uud the use of profane language is class d among (he criminal actshas (c iurred for many years. The unme cf the presint holder cf the i ffice U Jjmes Russell M'Koy. Divine service is held every Sunday ot 10 30 a.m. and at 3 p.m. It ia eon-'iucted strictly in accordance wi<h the Liturgy of tho Church of England. A Bible cUss is held every Wednesday, when all who conveniently can attn i. There ia also a general meeting for prayer on the first Friday in every month. 'I he observance of Sunday is very strict ; no work ij done ; but this is not, s'**ys Admiral Dj Horsey, in ary phaiisuical spirit, as shown on the occusion o! the vitit of the Sbab, wbiob chanced to be on a Sunday, wben every thiog consis e;t with the observance of divine service was done to supply the ship with refreshments fcr the crew, the chief mngistrate artjuing that it was a good work, and necessary, 58 tbe ship could not wait. Being visited only by chance passing vessels, perhaps not half a dozen times in the year, the islanders are of course entirely dependent upon their own resources. Tbey grow sweet potatoes, yams, planuinp, &c, and formerly hai breadfruit treep, but these are nearly all dying out. They have also beans, carrots, turcipg, c-bbages, and a little maiz-f, piae-apples, fij-trees. oustardapple?, and plenty of orangfs, lemons, and cocou-uuis. Clothing is obtained 1 lone frora p B.ing ships in tarter for refreshments. There are a few sheep, goate, pigp, fowls, cate, and dogs. There are go springs on the island; but as it rains generally once a month, tbey have plenty of water, although at times in former years they have suffered from drou e hf. No alcoholic liquors, except for medical purposes, are u»ed, and a drunkard is u.nknown. The houses are well ventilated, and furnished sufficiently for their simple wauts. Scarcely any trees good for timber grow there. There is no money on tl.o islt.nd, except such few coios as may be kept as curiosities. The men are chii fly employed ia tilling their grounds, farming, bouse - buildirg, cance fishinxj, &o. ; the women in cookiug, sewing, and hat and basket making. All aro industrious, and willingly take their share of public work when requited.