vi PROCEEDINGS, MAY. 
Governor’s house stands well upon an eminence commanding the whole 
extent of the penal establishment (14a). There is one point, however, 
from which the Norfolk Island establishment cannot compare with Port 
Arthur. There was no picturesque church such as we are acquainted with 
in Tasman Peninsula. By the courtesy of the present chaplain who 
resides in Government House, I was permitted to inspect the rooms. He 
showed me that the structure was deliberately planned, so that in case of 
an attack made by convicts upon the premises, a sturdy defence could be 
made at seven distinct points within the building, and if the besieged were 
beaten off from every one of these one after the other, the last rallying 
point was so arranged that an exit could be effected through the cellar into 
the open air. Two distinct nationalities, it may be said, inhabit Norfolk 
Island at the present time: the Norfolk Islanders, or ex-Pitcairners, and 
the Melanesian mission. Anyone who knows anything of half-caste races 
can easily draw up a fairly correct list of virtues and vices inherent In a 
race of such mixed bloodas this, and it is not incumbent upon me to attempt. 
the task here. It is sufficient to say that it would be difficult to find any- 
where a more pleasant, laughter-loving, hospitable people than the Norfolk 
Islanders of this day. There can be no doubt, however, and I think the 
thoughtful among them realise it, that the effect of constant intermarriage 
within so small a community has hada serious effect already in deterioration 
of the race, physically and mentally. It is a matter which calls for imme- 
diate attention in a sympathetic and liberal minded spirit. The community 
is ruled by a Governor, who is also Governor of New South Wales. The 
Governor has a seal, appoints judges, and can sell or allocate waste lands. 
The laws are framed as far as possible on the model of those which were in 
force in Pitcairn Island. The actual government is in the hands of a Chief 
Magistrate and two councillors, elected annually. Whe Chief Magistrate 
must be a landed proprietor, and over 28 years of age. The councillors 
must be, at least, 25. The annual election is on December 26. The 
chaplain presides, and the proceedings open with prayer. All can vote who 
have resided six months on the island, are 20 years of age, and can read and 
write. The chaplain has a casting vote, but he cannot be either magistrate 
or councillor, The officers can summon to their aid in case of necessity 
any one in the island on penalty of a fine for non-attendance. The Chief 
Magistrate is expressly ordered to attempt to settle all quarrels out of 
court. If this is impossible he may fine up to 50s. without appeal. The 
highest fine he can inflict is £10. If the parties are unwilling to abide by 
his decision a jury of seven is empanelled, and their decision is final. 
Offences of a more serious nature are sent for trial to Sydney. It is 
interesting to note that the jury is entitled to payment, and that one hour 
is computed at one-eighth of a day’s work. As a rule fines are worked out 
in labour on the roads or elsewhere. A list of all males over 25 is kept, 
and these are called elders. When a jury is needed the names are put into 
a bag, and the first seven drawn out compose the jury for the occasion. 
The rules regarding education are strict. The children must attend school 
from the age of 6 to 14. If any child is absent for more than two days on 
account of sickness the chaplain must certify the fact. The fine for non- 
attendance at school is 6d. per day. Each child pays a school fee of 10s. 
per annum. This and the fines for non-attendance go to the school- 
master. (From which it would appear that if only the master could 
induce all his charges to absent themselves, his post would be a distinctly 
lucrative one). The school is under the care of the chaplain. No 
intoxicating liquors are permitted, not even (there is a touch of irony in 
this), not even to the chaplain. This rule in its breadth is, I believe, 
rigidly enforced. ‘There is a fine for using profane language varying from 
5s. to 40s. No furious riding or driving is permitted on the roads. No 
person may sell land to any one who has not obtained the consent of the 
Governor previously. All are aware that the coloured element in the. 
Norfolk Islander is derived from Tahiti. 
