Revised Jun 22 2021
On Tuesday, the 9th, the Bishop, with Mrs. Selwyn and Mr. Patteson, left for Auckland.
It is gratifying to observe the considerate and disinterested manner in which all the arrangements, in connexion with the assignment of Norfolk Island to a deserving race, have been conducted by persons in power. Such a donation, so conferred, has reflected on Her Majesty's Government an amount of honour and advantage far greater than that of any pecuniary profit which might have been derived from the sale of the whole property. Nor have feelings of kindness towards the Pitcairn community so far prevailed as to keep out of view a just and careful attention to their real interests. If they are to continue happy, they must be industrious. Labour and toil, the original condition of man's lot on earth, will doubtless enter into the terms of the munificent charter under which they will possess the island. In what way an object so essential to their own good may be attained, the wisdom of the Governor-General, and those associated with him in the conduct of affairs on the spot, will best decide.
Meanwhile, it would be wise in the community, and their friends far away, to pay good heed to the sensible recommendations of Sir William Denison, on the subject of aid from without, in the shape of clothes and other articles. It would be far better that the people should learn to provide for their extra requirements by the sale of extra produce, for which there will always be a demand, than to depend upon any gratuitous supplies. With a large stock of sheep they may realize something considerable by the wool. The favourite sweet potato, and nearly all the varieties of English vegetables, may be raised in profusion. Guavas and lemons grow wild; and, there being two crops of the former every year, they come in well to assist in feeding the pigs. Grapes, peaches, melons, figs, loquots, bananas, pineapples, pomegranates, and cucumbers, grow in the open air. The crops of wheat, barley, rye, and oats, though sometimes good, are subject to blight.
Should they wish to avoid intercourse with any ships and whalers which occasionally pass, they can do so. The landing at the two best points, north and south of the island, is generally difficult, owing to the heavy swell, called "the Bar," which lashes the island on all sides. The principal harbourage is on the southern side, in front of the settlement; but even this is paved with anchors; and, at low water, their flukes are seen protruding from the beds of coral. Captains of vessels have seldom shown any desire to land, unless they are in need of water, or of fruits and vegetables.
With the large stone houses, one of which contains about twelve rooms, and numerous out-offices, including coach-house, stable, &c., these unambitious colonists need have little to do. They will not require the solid and extensive blocks of building, forming the old and new military barracks, which alone afforded accommodation for 280 men with their officers; the commissariat, convicts', and engineers' store premises; the range of buildings forming the gaol-establishment, and the gaolers' and turnkeys quarters, with the large dornitories, and mess-rooms, and dwellings for the overseers. But they will have found awaiting them good stone cottages, some with six rooms, others with four, three, &c., and kitchens detached; several weather-boarded cottages and huts, carpenters' and blacksmiths' shops; a wind-mill, and a water-mill; barns and stables; and two large boat-sheds; with other appliances and means for the exercise of their talents and industry. If they at first miss their sweet potato, they have the Irish instead; flour, instead of yams and plantains; cows' milk, instead of milk from the cocoa-nut.
The astonishment of the people, on viewing the magnificent structures of Norfolk Island, is said to have been great; and they were much amazed and delighted at the sight of a horse, a creature which they had never seen before. They were not long, however, in becoming well acquainted with the use of the noble animal. On the day after their arrival, several of them took their turns in riding the overseer's horse about the island; and by the severe exercise which they gave him, he was completely tired out by the evening. Jacob Christian, riding with more courage than skill, had a bad fall from one of the horses.
The islanders have commenced farming and gardening operations; and they have probably discovered, (or at least they have been assured by their judicious friend and Governor,) that labour, and plenty of it, will be necessary to advance their welfare and happiness. The various kinds of wood produced on the island, maple, ironwood, and hopwood, will supply materials for solid and ornamental box-making, creditable specimens of which have been sent to England from the same hands at Pitcairn. Some of the far-famed Norfolk Island pines may perhaps be found serviceable for the purposes of Her Majesty's navy; whilst the too luxuriant growth of the vegetation, especially the wild cotton-plant, will demand no trifling amount of exertion to keep it down, and render it serviceable.
To those who are accustomed to trace the wisdom of God in the works of the Creation, the pursuit of botany will afford an ample fund of pleasure and refreshment.
The fishing being good, a large supply of hooks and sea-lines, sent out to Norfolk Island, will have already been found useful.
Phillip Island, about six miles distant, may be easily reached on a calm day. It abounds with rabbits; a skilful marksman can kill sufficient, in a few hours, to fill his boat. There are, also, on this island, some beautiful wild goats, which may be got at with caution. Their flesh is not far inferior to our English venison.
The study of books, which engaged a considerable portion of the day at Pitcairn, will still prove the islanders' employment and delight. An addition of some religious and useful works has lately been made to the library by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.