Revised Jun 22 2021
The Bishop of New Zealand, before his last visit to England, touched at Norfolk Island, and was much struck with the beauty of the place, and its fine climate. The contrast of the external features of nature with the spirit of the human population was powerfully portrayed by him; and he drew a lively comparison of what the island was with what it might be, "It was designated," said one who lived there nearly four years, "'the Ocean Hell.' I doubt not, but eventually the presence of the Pitcairn people will render it what nature intended it to be, an earthly paradise." These words were used before the project had been matured for conveying this fine estate to the people of Pitcairn.
The reader who has accompanied the Pitcairn community in the striking annals of their race, as well as in the even progress of their own lives and fortunes, will rejoice with them on their safe landing at a new and suitable abode. He will be enabled to discover, in the present stage of their history, the footsteps of a gracious and superintending Providence, and will share in the thankful and happy feelings of those who have been in any way concerned in this remarkable event. He will observe with pleasure the Christian behaviour of the voyagers in their strange and somewhat startling position. What can be more touching, or (considering what Captain Denham calls "the habitual piety" of the new settlers) what more natural, than their prompt and united act of Thanksgiving to their Divine Preserver and Guide?
The Islanders owe a debt of gratitude to many distinguished naval officers, who, by professional zeal and intelligence, as well as by various friendly offices in behalf of the people, have contributed largely to their welfare. A recent communication made by Captain H. M. Denham, R.N., who had the charge of the survey of Norfolk Island, will speak volumes, both as to his attention to the people, and their settled sense of duty. The paper, which is also interesting in a geographical point of view, was dated on board H.M.S. Herald, Norfolk Island, June 16, 1856. Proceeding towards Norfolk Island, he had taken advantage of a calm afternoon on the 30th May; and when 162 miles N. 65° 30′ E. from Lord Howe Island, and 322 miles S. 75° 30′ W. from Norfolk Island, had struck soundings in 919 fathoms.
Whilst obtaining these soundings, he was assailed by a westerly gale, which, lasting for eight-and-forty hours, was at its height on Sunday, June 1st; and it became imprudent, to let the ship run, until the gale broke.
On the morning of the 3d June, having arranged with Lieut. John Hutchison and Mr. J. W. Smith, assistant surveyors, in regard to completing the survey of the island and its islets, together with lines of soundings to the edge of the bank upon its surrounding aspects, he effected a landing. He landed, the Sappers, whom, at the instance of the Governor-General, Sir Wm. Denison, he had brought from Sydney, to make a topographical survey of Norfolk Island, with reference to the future allotting and occupation of the island by the Pitcairners. He also landed the Herald's carpenters, to cut down and trim pine-trees out of the abundant plantations of the remarkable Norfolk Island pine, in order to profit by so economical an opportunity of providing Her Majesty's ship with a set of spare topmasts; a selection of boatknees and frame timber was also made, and the commissary officer Mr. Stewart, in charge of the island, promptly caused the ship to be supplied with fresh beef, in accordance with Sir William Denison's considerate views, which enabled Captain Denham to render it a gratuitous issue to the wliole of the crew.