Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
In 1899, Birnie was leased to the Pacific Islands Co. (Hydrographic Office 1916; Tudor
1968). The license was not issued until 1901 (Garnett 1983a). In 1902, Lever’s Pacific
Plantation took over Birnie.
In 1905, a beacon was erected midway along the eastern coast (Garnett 1983a). The beacon
was 8 m high with a base of coral slabs and an iron ladder like structure on top.
In 1914, Samoan Shipping and Trading Co., Ltd. took over Birnie (Garnett 1983a).
Hydrographic Office (1916) reported a beacon 9.1 m (30 ft) high had been constructed 914 m
(1,000 yards) northwest of the southern sandy extremity. A flagstaff 4.6 m (15 ft) in height
was on top of the beacon.
In 1916, Birnie was leased to the Samoa Shipping and Trading Co. (Bryan 1934; see also
Allen 1918). This was an 87 year lease (Bryan 1941 and 1942). This lease was taken over
by Burns Philp (South Sea) Co. (in 1926 according to Garnett 1983a). There were no
activities on Birnie from any of these companies (Garnett 1983a).
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 Birnie (Bryan 1951; Freeman 1951).
In 1937, Birnie was placed under the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony (Bryan 1941 and
1942).
In 1937, Birnie was investigated as a possible settlement site, but it was considered too small
for settlement (Garnett 1983a). Maude (1937) reported that a large stone beacon encased in
an iron framework was found on Birnie. This was repaired and a flagstaff and notice board
was erected on it.
In 1938, Birnie was declared a bird sanctuary under the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony
Wild Birds Protection Ordinance (Garnett 1983a).
In 1939, it was decided that coconut trees would be planted on Birnie to support colonies on
Orona, Manra, and Nikumaroro (Garnett 1983a). In May 1939, about one-third of Birnie was
planted with coconut trees.
ENDERBURY
During the 1880’s Enderbury was used by the John T. Arundel Co. (Bryan 1941, 1942, and
1974). They found a hose and mule there.
In 1899, Enderbury was leased by Great Britain to the Pacific Islands Co. (Hydrographic
Office 1916; Orent and Reinsch 1941; rented according to Leff 1940; 1897 according to
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