Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island lies in the Western Pacific, about half-way between New Zealand and New Caledonia, 400 miles NNW. of the former. The coasts are high (mean altitude, 400 feet) and steep, and the surface generally uneven, rising in Mount Pitt to 1050 feet. The island is 6 miles long, and has an area of 13½ sq. m. The soil is fertile and well watered, and the climate healthy. The Norfolk Island Pine grows to a height of 200 feet; the Norfolk Island Cabbage is a dwarf pine. Norfolk Island was discovered by Cook in 1774. Between 1788 and 1805, and again between 1826 and 1855, it was a penal settlement for convicts sent from New South Wales. In 1856 many of the inhabitants of Pitcairn Island (q.v.) were transferred hither by the British government. In 1888 the pop. was 741. This includes about 150 Melanesian boys and girls being educated at Bishop Patteson's mission-station of St Barnabas, Norfolk Island being the headquarters of the diocese of Melanesia, which was founded in 1861. The people govern themselves, under the superintendence of the government of New South Wales; they fish, farm, and supply provisions to passing vessels.