Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
In 1891, J.T. Arundel was granted a coconut planting license by the British Scretary of State
(Garnett 1983a). The grant was for 21 years.
In the 1880’s coconut trees were planted on Nikumaroro by the John T. Arundel and Co.
(Bryan 1941 and 1942; see also Laxton 1951; 1892 according to Douglas and Douglas 1994).
In 1892, J.T. Arundel had 20 Niuean laborers who were clearing the land and planning
coconuts on Nikumaroro (Gardner) (Garnett 1983a). They were supervised by Mr. Challis.
Coconuts were planted on the northwest end of Nikumaroro (Gardner) (Pompey 1974 and
1972d). Shortly after, laborers were removed from the island (Garnett 1983a).
In 1897, Arundel’s interests in Nikumaroro (Gardner) were bought by the Pacific Islands Co.,
Ltd. (Garnett 1983a).
In 1902, Lever’s Pacific Plantation Ltd. took over Nikumaroro (Gardner) (Garnett 1983a).
In 1914, Samoan Shipping and Trading Co. took over control of Nikumaroro (Gardner)
(Garnett 1983a). Allen (1918) reported that Nikumaroro (Gardner) was leased to the Samoan
Shipping and Trading Company. This was in 1916 (Bryan 1941 and 1942; Hydrographic
Office 1916). The lease was for 87 years. However, due to World War I, no activities were
completed on Nikumaroro (Laxton 1951).
In 1925, Captain Allen of the Samoa Shipping and Trading Co. died (Degener and Gillaspy
1955). In 1926, liquidators of the Samoa Shipping and Trading Co. (Captain Allen) sold the
lease for Abariringa (Canton), Manra (Sydney), Orona (Hull), Nikumaroro (Gardner),
Rawaki (Phoenix), and Birnie (Birney) to the Burns Philp Co., Ltd. (Anon 1940e). The
original 99 year lease had 75 years remaining.
In 1931, no one lived on Nikumaroro (Gardner) (Bryan 1951; Freeman 1951).
In 1931, the Norwich City, a 3,175 tonne (3,500 ton) vessel, grounded on the western reef of
Nikumaroro (Gardner) (Bryan 1941 and 1942; 1929 according to King et al 2001).
According to Laxton (1951), the Norwich City was driven ashore in a gale in 1931. It was
wrecked off the west side of the island (Hydrographic Office 1940). It is the most
conspicuous object on the island
Ellis (1937) speculated that Orona (Hull), Manra (Sydney) and Nikumaroro (Gardner) might
be useful to relieve overpopulation in the Gilbert Islands.
In February 1937, the H.M.S. Leith anchored at Nikumaroro and erected a plaque and
flagpole and raised the British flag (King et al 2001). They claimed the island for Britain.
In March 18, 1937, Nikumaroro was integrated into the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony
(Laxton 1951).
There was speculation that Amelia Earhart landed on McKean or Nikumaroro (Gardner) in
1937 (Beheim 2004).
In 1937, the H.M.C.S. Nimanoa visited Nikumaroro (Gardner) with the Administrative Office
of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony (Bryan 1941 and 1942; see also Bevington 1990).
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