Anniversary day, children, education and a youth assembly! -
On June 8, 1856, one hundred and ninety-four souls arrived on Norfolk Island, marking this current significant chapter in Norfolk Island’s history. These individuals, descendants of Tahitian foremothers and the HMAV Bounty mutineers, embarked on a gruelling 33-day sea journey aboard the naval vessel, Morayshire, from Pitcairn Island. The surnames of Christian, Young, Adams, Quintal, McCoy, Nobbs, Evans, and Buffett, were all on board. During the voyage, one child was born and named Reuben Denison Christian. This arrival was a profound transition for a community stepping into a new homeland settlement.
Of the 194 persons who arrived on Norfolk Island that day, the demographic breakdown included 40 men, 47 women, 54 boys, and 53 girls, all under the age of 16. This meant that 107 children arrived on the island, effectively transforming it into a "new playground" for them.
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It is wonderful to awaken on the morning of 8 June each year to sunshine - to lay out our ‘Bounty’ clothes, nicely pressed and when worn, adorned with shells and traditionally plaited island hats.
If, by chance, it is overcast or it looks like rain, we sigh, we pack an umbrella, we weigh up whether will we walk the distance from the pier to the cemetery and then consider where will we set up our picnic lunch?
This is how I celebrate Anniversary Day.
But this idealised version of enjoying a lovely sunny day to commemorate our Anniversary Day each year, quickly fades amidst historical journal entries, revealing a different reality. The historical accounts reveal that the day of arrival in 1856 was marked by squalls, gales, strong tides, and bad weather. This stark contrast between the modern celebration and the actual conditions of the arrival highlights the importance of acknowledging these original hardships as faced by our descendants.
In George Hunn Nobbs Journal of 8 June 1856, he describes:
“Cloudy weather. Close in with Norfolk Island, very much disappointed in its appearance from the present point of view, which is directly off the settlement, presents a succession of hillocks and shallow ravines covered with short brown grass, and scarcely a tree to be seen. Everyone much disappointed having been accustomed to hear the place much extolled. No doubt other parts of the Island have a better appearance but this side certainly loses in the comparison with our “Rock of the West”.
Classes began in the New Military Barracks at Kingston on 14 July 1856.
The attendance of all children was compulsory. The next year, Governor Denison published laws and regulations for the island which included school attendance ~ the earliest legislation of its kind in the British empire.
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In 1999, the Norfolk Island Youth Assembly was created with the help of the Chief Minister at the time, George Smith, the Science teacher Peter Langley and the school librarian, Trish Magri. Students chair the meetings according to parliamentary-style rules, discussing and making decisions on environmental issues and other problems that concern young people.
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Island destinations offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that families can enjoy together. Visit museums, art galleries, or historical sites to gain insights into the island's history and heritage. Engage in hands-on activities that allow children to learn about the local culture.
If you wish to join us for our Anniversary celebration
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