PROCEEDINGS, MAY. Vii 
The population now consists of 650 on Norfolk Island, and there are 125 
more who are still at Pitcairn Island, they or their parents having returned 
of their own accord to their old home. At the present time there are 
some 20 (not more) who may be called pure half-castes, Of this number 
is, of course, the aged Mrs. Hobbs, who still lives, the wife of the well- 
known clergyman. His Lordship made some remarks on the language of 
the islanders, and recorded the derivations of some extraordinary words, 
with a number of highly amusing illustrations. He continued: “The 
other community living on this island is, as is well known, the Melanesian 
Mission. In 1858 permission to settle on Norfolk Island was refused, 
at the earnest request of the Norfolk Islanders themselves, by 
Sir W. Denison, then Governor of New South Wales, on the score 
that the morals of the Pitcairners could be corrupted by being 
brought into contact with savage Melanesians. In 1866 Bishop Patteson 
was more fortunate than the first Bishop Selwyn had been, and 1,000 acres 
were bought at a cost of £3,000, the money being funded for the benefit of 
the Pitcairners. Since then the Mission School has grown, until a large 
sum of money has been invested in buildings. The school usually numbers 
about 170 ; these are scattered in houses under the charge of the clergy, 
the houses being embowered among trees and gardens, whilst the sound of 
the chapel bell, and the meeting in the hall for meals, recalls a true type of 
college life. To a keen observer perhaps the most remarkable sight at the 
chapel services, twice daily, is the Melanesian with frizzled pate and bare 
feet who plays the organ, making full use of the pedals, and reproducing 
the music of all our great composers. A relay of organists is kept up, and 
one of the bitterest of regrets to these musicians on leaving Norfolk Island 
as teachers to their own people is their severance from musical instruments. 
No harmonium has yet been made which can resist the damp and the 
insect pest of these tropical islands. Of the farm of 1,000 acres, some 200 
are cultivated, the rest being used for pasture. It is calculated that two- 
thirds of the food needed by the mission people is raised on the farm. Of 
course far more could be obtained were skilled farmers employed. But as 
it is part of the system that the scholars should learn the best methods of 
farming which are appropriate for their future homes, the farm work is 
done by the clergy and their scholars entirely, working side by side, the 
only external assistance being that of a bailiff. The Mission also takes its 
share of the roads of the island, and one is somewhat proud of the order in 
which their part is kept. It is difficult to see how the Norfolk Islanders 
could dispose of their produce were it not for the Mission people, who are 
their best—I was almost about to add their only—customers. The sale of 
produce to the Mission, and the proceeds of whaling, are the chief sources 
of profit to these people. As whalers they have long had a high 
reputation, and are noted as bold and excellent boatmen. It is a great 
pity that the difficulty of transport should prevent a trade in oranges. The 
Norfolk Island orange seems to me to surpass in flavour any I have ever 
eaten. Indeed, the day may come when in this mild and equable climate 
many fruits may be grown to perfection, which are now neglected here. 
What is needed is more energy and greater foresight among the present 
inhabitants. But I feel unwilling to conclude this paper with any adverse 
criticism of these people, however mildly put. There is a feeling abroad 
among them that all who live on their island come for the purpose of 
giving good advice. As one who was more than kindly received—wel- 
comed indeed with open arms—I trust a happy and useful career is in 
prospect for a community which has a history both romantic and unique. 
Transported now toa region which cannot be surpassed for quiet beauty, 
their lot should be as happy as it is highly favoured by nature.”’ (Applause.) 
Appended to the paper were lists of birds breeding upon the island and 
some adjacent rocks, and a list of ferns on Norfolk Island, furnished by 
Dr. Metcalfe. The paper was illustrated by lantern views by Mr. Nat 
Oldham. Pictures of the township, the pier, the famous avenue of pines, 
