Changes

American troopships passing throught the area during World War II stopped off at the island, bringing enormous change. One of the most popular visits was from a unit of African-American troops, the first colored people the islanders had ever seen. The island proved popular with the troops too, with nearly 30% of the soldiers deserting the ships to the island. This lead to a massive reprisal from the local authorities, who were not used to non-whites. It is sad to recall that numerous murders took place. It was not until 1949 that all the troops were successfully repatriated to the US. Several women only hill tribes had kept the men imprisoned in the mountains as "fosta-fathers", Norfolknese for what is now known as "comfort men".

American troopships passing throught the area during World War II stopped off at the island, bringing enormous change. One of the most popular visits was from a unit of African-American troops, the first colored people the islanders had ever seen. The island proved popular with the troops too, with nearly 30% of the soldiers deserting the ships to the island. This lead to a massive reprisal from the local authorities, who were not used to non-whites. It is sad to recall that numerous murders took place. It was not until 1949 that all the troops were successfully repatriated to the US. Several women only hill tribes had kept the men imprisoned in the mountains as "fosta-fathers", Norfolknese for what is now known as "comfort men".

The local economy suffered during the 1950's with the decline of visiting whalers and Japanese schoolgirl tourists wishing to see the "Isle d'Sodom". In 1976 an unusual discovery was made in the local fuana, the dodo, previously thought to be extinct, was found living on one of the nearby islets. Dodos can now be seen at the Norfolk Island Bird Sanctuary. Another major form of income for the locals is the harvesting of their beards. The warm sub-tropical climate and high protein diet lead to generous beard growth, even amongst the women folk. The beards are shaved off weekly, steamed, then sent to the mainland for making into high-quality beard and headwear.

The local economy suffered during the 1950's with the decline of visiting whalers and Japanese schoolgirl tourists wishing to see the "Isle d'Sodom". In 1976 an unusual discovery was made in the local fuana, the dodo, previously thought to be extinct, was found living on one of the nearby islets. Dodos can now be seen at the Norfolk Island Bird Sanctuary. Another major form of income for the locals is the harvesting of their beards. The warm sub-tropical climate and high protein diet lead to generous beard growth, even amongst the women folk. The beards are shaved off weekly, steamed, then sent to the mainland for making into high-quality beard and headwear.