The Third period of occupation on Norfolk Island began when the descendants of the Bounty mutineers sailed from Pitcairn Island to settle on Norfolk Island. 194 people (40 men and 47 women, 54 boys and 53 girls) made this 3700 mile, five week journey to Norfolk Island; arriving on 8 June 1856. Almost all these new settlers were descendants of the most famous naval mutiny in modern history - HMAS Bounty. Given this, most of the new settlers carried names such as Adams, Buffett, Christian, Evans, McCoy, Nobbs, Quintal, and Young. Though ttwo small groups subsequently returned to Pitcairn Island, the remainder of the Pitcairners made Norfolk their home, bringing with them a unique culture and heritage that has been preserved for future generations.
The 8th of June remains the most significant date on the Norfolk Island calendar each year. Bounty Day, or Anniversary Day as it is more formally called, is a public holiday where the people of Norfolk Island celebrate the arrival of their forebears. Bounty Day has not altered over generations and even today the food, friendship and style of clothing still portray the traditions of yesteryear. One of the features of the day is the reenactment of the landing of the Pitcairn people on Norfolk Island, and the procession march through the historic ruins at Kingston. For many years agriculture formed the basis of the Island's economy. The majority of the Islanders lived a subsistence lifestyle, growing their own food. In later years their incomes were supplemented by exporting produce and by whaling. The descendents of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives brought with them to Norfolk their own language . ?Norf'k? is a unique mixture of 18th Century English and Polynesian. While English is the most commonly used language on the Island, you will still hear the Islanders talk to one another in ?Norf'k?. Here's a taste of the local language:
Watawieh Yorlye?
How are you?
Si Yorlye Morla
See you tomorrow
Kushu
Good
We baut yu gwen?
Where are you going?
Fut nort?
Why not?
Daaset
That's it
Daa letl salan waili ap in aa pain.
That little child is stuck in that pine.
Island dancing, music, singing, basket weaving, and arts and crafts also remain very important elements of the Norfolk Island culture. Norfolk Islanders also have their own unique cuisine with tasty local dishes such as Pilhai (baked kumera, banana or pumpkin), Mudda (banana dumplings), and Hihi Pie (made with periwinkles).
During the Second World War an airstrip was built on the Island and this proved to be a catalyst for change. With easier access to Norfolk, tourism developed to the point where it has become the mainstay of the Island's economy, though farming and fishing are still important aspects of Island life.
