UNEQUAL STRUGGLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 37, 14 February 1939, Page 8

UNEQUAL STRUGGLE

RESIDENTS ABANDONING NORFOLK ISLAND

PARTY SEEKING WORK IN NEW ZEALAND

( Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 13. ; Unable to secure a reasonable livjing in spite of all their efforts, 27 residents of Norfolk Island arrived by the ISouth Pacific Line steamer Tasman to search for work in New Zealand. The party included about 15 former New Zealanders and several who had spent their entire lives on the island. A change from Australian to New Zealand control and more frequent shipping services were stated to be essential before the island could hope to flourish. Through disappointment with the conditions, about 100 settlers had left during the past three months and the population had now decreased to | less than 900. It was deplorable, said {several passengers, that people should Ibe forced to leave such a fertile and 'productive island through inability to (make a living.

I “There are no prospects for anyone •settling in Norfolk Island unless he I has independent means,’’ said Mr. C. W. Jordan, formerly of Te Avvamutu. jwho left the Dominion last October to {examine conditions on the island with |a possible view to settlement. “People •have been slaving to get a few shillings from the land but they have been in the habit of getting debit notes back for produce shipped to Sydney.’’ Because the island was controlled by [Australia, the restrictions that applied to the importation of fruit from the Commonwealth to New Zealand also to Norfolk Island. Mr. Jordan isaid. The settlers, therefore, had to send their produce to Sydney which, however, was very well supplied with fruit of mainland origin. As a result, the prices were generally low. If the island was placed under New Zealand 'control and a frequent shipping service instituted, the islanders believed they could command much better prices in the Dominion.