Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
Garnett 1983a). Little was done by that company and Enderbury was later abandoned
(Schuyler 1940).
In 1902, Enderbury was taken over by Lever’s Pacific Plantations (Garnett 1983a).
In 1914, McKean and Enderbury were the only two Phoenix Islands not leased to the Samoa
Shipping and Trading Company (Pompey 1972c). In 1914, the Samoan Shipping and
Tradition Company, Ltd. took control of Enderbury (Garnett 1983a). In 1926, Burns Philp
(South Seas) Company, Ltd., took control of Enderbury.
In 1931, no one lived on Enderbury (Bryan 1951; Freeman 1951). In 1933, Enderbury was
uninhabited (Leff 1940).
Bryan (1934) reported finding a small rusted canon (1 m (3.5 ft) long) on Enderbury.
According to Leff (1940), the canon was used to frighten away Peruvian pirates.
The 1937 solar eclipse could be better observed on Enderbury, but due to a lack of mooring,
the solar eclipse expedition landed on Abariringa (Canton) (Bryan 1941, 1942, and 1974;
Follett 1943; for detailed account of attempted landing see Hellweg 1937). The solar eclipse
was to pass directly over Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury (Bryan 1937).
During the 1937 solar eclipse expedition, after the Abariringa (Canton) station was set up, the
U.S.S. Avocet revisited Enderbury for one day (Hellweg 1937). As part of the mission of the
Avocet, both Enderbury and Abariringa (Canton) were surveyed regarding their possible use
as an airfield (Holbrook 1973). It was only the possibility of commercial trans-Pacific air
transport that gave Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury new value (Melamid 1955).
Enderbury was found unsuitable (Holbrook 1973).
Maude (1937) observed two abandoned settlements as well as traces of the old tramways and
buildings. There was a flagpole and large cairn in front of the southern settlement. Notice
boards were observed recording visits to the island. In addition, two cannons were found
lying besides the main house in the settlement. Maude considered Enderbury unsuitable for
settlement (Garnett 1983a).
In April 1937, Enderbury, as well as other Phoenix Islands, were placed under the Gilbert and
Ellice Islands Colony (Garnett 1983a).
Between 1937 and 1942, various U.S. Coast Guard cutters visited Abariringa (Canton) and
Enderbury (Bryan 1974). Detailed accounts of each trip, personnel, and mission were
provided in Bryan (1974).
In 1938, the United States proclaimed sovereignty over Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury
(Anon. 1938a; Anon. 1938d; Enderby according to Grattan 1961; 1939 according to
Schuyler 1940). This was viewed with alarm in Tokyo (Anon. 1938b). In 1938, President
Roosevelt placed Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury under the U.S. Department of Interior
(Bordon 1961, Bryan 1941, 1942, and 1974; 1937 according to Grattan 1963a). For the text
of the transfer to the Department of Interior, see Reeves (1939).
In February 1938, the U.S. Department of Interior issued orders for the establishment of
permanent American stations on Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury (Schuyler 1939).
53