the “resolution”

Exports from Norfolk Island have always had problems with transport.  A number of the early attempts to establish markets for island produce were unsuccessful because shipping was irregular.  This led to islanders deciding to build their own vessel so they could be in control of exports to New Zealand.

Between 1923 and 1925, a schooner of 18.6m long was built from local timber by a group of local men.  It was launched in Emily Bay in December 1925, being named the “Resolution” after Capt Cook’s vessel in which he claimed Norfolk Island for England.  The name also reflected the attitudes of those who built her.  She made her first voyage in January 1926, laden with fruit for New Zealand.  Unfortunately she made very slow progress and the cargo was ruined.  She was fitted with a motor but the business failed.  The “Resolution” was sold and was used as a trading vessel around Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu where she sank in Vila harbour in 1949.

DAA “RESOLUUSHAN”

Eksports fram Norfuk Ailen orlwes bin gata  prohblem lorngfe traensport.  Wan namba o’ erli atemps fe estaeblisha maaket fe ailen prohdyuus naewa werk said shepen daa iregyula.  Dieh liid dem ailendas desaiden fe  bild dems oen shep soe dem el bi iin kontroel o’ dem eksports gen Nyuu Siilan.

Twiin 1923 en 1925, dem bil wan  skuuna o’ 18.6m lorng fram loekl timba bai wan gruup o’ loekl mien.  Dem se lornch et iin Emli Bieh iin Desemba 1925, en niem et daa “Resolution” aafta Kaeptan Kuk’s boet iin wich hi kliem Norfuk Ailen fe Inglan.  Daa niem orlsoe reflekt d’ aetityuud o’ dem huu bild her.  Shi mek hers fas woiyaj iin Janyuweri 1926, se lieden fe fruut fe Nyuu Siilan.  Anfortyunatli shi meka sloe proegres en daa kaagoe se ruuen.  Dem fet aa boet aout lorngf’ wan moeta bat daa besnes fiel.  Dem sel daa “Resolution” en she wos yuust fe wan trieden shep raun Tohnga, Fiijii en Vaenuwaatu said shi sink iin Viila haaba iin 1949.