It might make you feel better to know you are not Robinson Crusoe with this. There have been similar issues in the past with some of the Norton stones - relative to how many must be sold I do not think it is a huge issue, but holes in the occasional Norton seem to happen sometimes. For example:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...continues.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ter-stone.html
The solution in almost all the cases I can remember was a replacement stone from the good people at Norton.
Personally, I really love my Norton - it is my honing workhorse. I hope you can sort out this issue and start enjoying your new stone.
James.