Norfolk Island by H. MITCHELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 4, 1909

Norfolk Island

By H. MITCHELL

A WEALTHY Australian squatter thought of settling on this island, but after making a pleasant home for himself, decided to move to Africa. He accepted our offer to purchase the property, and the Australasian Union Conference advanced us the money to secure it. We firmly believe that the Lord led in the purchase of the new home. Now we are anxiously waiting to see the result of this quarter's offerings from our Australasian Sabbath-schools.

Until the purchase of this property, our workers had to find shelter as best they could among the islanders. While our field is small, we find ample opportunity for work. I do not know of one house among the islanders where I am not welcomed, and I could tell of many pleasant experiences if space would permit.

Kindness and Christian sympathy appeal to the hearts of the islanders. I love many of their homely and communistic ways. Perhaps a party of six will go out in a boat to fish, and on their return any who may be present at the landing are welcome to take what they need, free of charge. Sometimes a company will sail across to adjacent islands to gather sea-birds' eggs, which can be secured in numberless quantities. On returning they share them all around. They know of no such things as barns or storehouses or cellars for laying up food, etc., for future use. By their way of exchange everybody regards it as his duty to share what he has, and it is so natural to them that they do it with pleasure.

The roads are kept in order by a system they call public work. Every man over seventeen and under sixty is compelled to work three days a month free on the roads. Traders, tourists, missionaries, etc., are all included in the public work. There are no taxes or rent to pay, as the islanders have nothing with

which to pay them; but any settler other than the islanders has to pay rent for the land.

The one great drawback to this island's prosperity is (using the expression of an officer on the steamship "Powerful" in his report to the Sydney Morning Herald) "its hopelessly isolated condition."

We have many dear people here, who welcome us week by week as we meet to study with them; yet they are so slow to take their stand for the truth.

There have been for some time very strained relations between the crown and the islanders, and I am sorry to report the prospect of more trouble yet. I sincerely beg an interest in the prayers of God's people that we, as his workers, may have wisdom at this time in directing the minds of the people toward him who alone is able to help them in their trouble.

H. MITCHELL.