Pitcairn's Island  Note  Source  Whalesite

Admiralty reports regarding proclamations for
Rennell, Bellona and Stewart Islands
(1897)

            CONFIDENTIAL

Sir,

      With reference to your letter of the 27th March, I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State, copies of letters as marked in the margin from the Officer Commanding H. M. S. WALLAROO" respecting the proclamation of a Protectorate over the Rennell, Bellona and Stewart Islands, together with a copy of the remarks of the Commander—in--Chief on the Australian Station.

The Under
            Secretary of State,                         COLONIAL OFFICE.

COPY

Sir,

      I have the honour to report that in compliance with my instructions I landed at 8 a m today with a party of men on Bellona Island, planted the British Flag and with due ceremony declared the Island under British Protection.

      The Union Jack was hoisted on the ground above the sandy beach on the North West corner of the island, the only place where a landing, even on the finest day, could be effected.

(Sd) G. N A Pollard
Captain.           

Rear Admiral Cyprian A.G.Bridge
            Commander-in-Chief,
                        AUSTRALIA

      In the name of Her Majesty VICTORIA Queen of the United Kingdom of GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND, EMPRESS OF INDIA

      By George Northmore Arthur Pollard Captain in the Royal Navy commanding Her Majesty's Ship "WALLAROO".

      WHEREAS I have it in command from Her Majesty Queen Victoria throgh Her Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies to declare that Her Majesty has this day assumed a Protectorate over THIS ISLAND of BELLONA situated in Latitude 11° 23' South and Longitude 159° 47' East from Greenwich.

      NOW THEREFORE I George Northmore Arthur Pollard, Captain of Her Majesty's Ship "WALLAROO" do hereby proclaim and declare to all men that from and after the dates of these presents the above—mentioned ISLAND of BELLONA has been placed under the British Solomon Island Protectorate under the jurisdiction of Her Majesty's High Commissioner for the Western Pacific.

      Given under my hand at Bellona Island this seven-teenth day of June 1897.>/p>

Witness
      (Sd) E.G.Chamberlain
                  Clerk
      H.M.S. "WALLAROO".

Sir,

      I have the honour to submit for your information, with my letter of having declared a British Protectorate over this island, a report, so far as could under the circl]mstances be obtained from personal observation of Bellona Island.

      2. The island is of coral formation and fringed by a reef on which the surf breaks heavily rendering landing impossible except on a sandy beach on the North West Corner, and that only on the finest days. The 17th June was sufficiently fine to admtt of a precarious landing being made in a whale boat, but no 1arger or heavier boat could have attempted it without being swamped.

      3. Dense forests extend to the water's edge and the thickness of the undergrowth and creepers would render penetration extremely laborious and more time would be at my disosal, in ascertaining the nature the ground in the interior.

      4. A few natives made their appearance, evidently of a fisher class as they appeared to own the few canoes hauled up on the strand, and primitive fishing arrangemants there in view.

      5. They greeted us in a friendly manner assisting the boat through the surf, and offered spears bows and arrows for barter.

      6. They took to the hills in haste however, when the salute

Rear Admiral Cyprian A.G.Bridge
            Commander-in-Chief,
                        AUSTRALIA

was fired on planting the Union Jack, and did not re-appear till after we had taken our departure.

      7. So far as could be made out there were no white people on the island.

      8. A few cocoa-nut trees were observed in clumps of seven or eight, the best of which apparently was a grove on the North Western extreme, and another on the South end of Bellona, also a few palms and banana trees were observed.

      9. There must of course be water on the island but no streams were observed when steaming round it, and whether the supply is from wells or rain I am unable to state.

(Sd) G. N A Pollard
Captain.           

Sir,

      I have the honour to report that in compliance with my instructions I landed at 3 p m today with a party of thirty men on Rennell Island, planted the British Flag and with due ceremony declared the Island under British Protection.

      2. The Union Jack was planted on a small bluff to the westward but nearly opposite to a conspicuous cliff and a bottle containing a copy of the Declaration left in a Crevasse at the spot.

      3. This was the only spot where a landing was found practicable on account of the fringing reef on which a heavy surf was breaking even though the day was one of the finest.

(Sd) G. N A Pollard
Captain.           

Rear Admiral Cyprian A.G.Bridge
            Commander-in-Chief,
                        AUSTRALIA

      In the name of Her Majesty VICTORIA Queen of the United Kingdom of GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND, EMPRESS OF INDIA

      By George Northmore Arthur Pollard Captain in the Royal Navy commanding Her Majesty's Ship "WALLAROO".

      WHEREAS I have it in command from Her Majesty Queen Victoria throgh Her Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies to declare that Her Majesty has this day assumed a Protectorate over THIS ISLAND OF RENNELL situated in Latitude 11° 34' South and Longitude 159° 55' East from Greenwich.

      NOW THEREFORE I George Northmore Arthur Pollard, Captain of Her Majesty's Ship "WALLAROO" do hereby proclaim and declare to all men that from and after the dates of these presents the above—mentioned ISLAND of RENNELL has been placed under the British Solomon Island Protectorate under the jurisdiction of Her Majesty's High Commissioner for the Western Pacific.

      Given under my hand at RENNELL Island this seven-teenth day of June 1897.

Witness
      (Sd) E.G.Chamberlain
                  Clerk
      H.M.S. "WALLAROO".

Sir,

      I have the honour to submit for your information with my letter of having declared a British Protectorate over this Island a report, so far as could be observed under the circumstances of Rennell Island.

      2. The island is of coral formation to the very summit as could he observed from the cliffs of that nature which showed in some spots on the highest places.

      3. The whole island is densely wooded with large forest trees and the undergrowth and creepers that cover the ground to the very edge of the water would render exploration a matter of some time.

      4. The sea face all along the North and West sides, which, are to leeward are steep with perpendicular cliffs of great height and though close at the foot there is a plateau of coral some ten or twelve feet above the water this plateau is so broken that walking- is extremely difficult.

      5. Outside this edge is a fringing reef some twenty yards off on which the sea breaks, and no inlet could he found into the narrow lagoon between the fringing reef and main body of coral that forms the island.

      6. No Natives or human beings were seen, nor was the nature of the ground such as would allow of any living except possibly at or near the top, but it would occupy an exploring party many days before a thorough investigation of the interior could be made.

      7. No Cocoa nut trees were observed anywhere during the

Rear Admiral Cyprian A.G.Bridge
            Commander-in-Chief,
                        AUSTRALIA

time the coast was examined by the Ship and nothing but rank undergrowth and creepers could be seen.

      8. There are no outlaying dangers, deep water reaching to the very edge of the outer reefs, which apparently rise straight from the bottom, but landing is a matter of great difficulty and care even in the finest weather and on the lee side of the land.

(Sd) G. N A Pollard
Captain.           

Sir,

      I have the honour to report that in accordance, with my instructions I landed this morning, with a party of men and Officers at Sikaiana Island of the Stewart Group, and with due ceremony and a ”feu de joie" in the presence of the Chiefs declared the islands under British Protection.

      2. Copies of the Declaration were left in the possession of the King and his next in authority, and the former was presented with the flag used for the occasion.

      3. The Islands being placed under British Protection appeared to give much satisfaction to the islanders the King, and Chiefs of whom expressed, as well as they were able, their pleasure at the event, and fully realised the situation or the Protectorate.

(Sd) G. N A Pollard
Captain.           

Rear Admiral Cyprian A.G.Bridge
            Commander-in-Chief,
                        AUSTRALIA

      In the name of Her Majesty Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India.

      By George Northmore Arthur Pollard Captain in the Royal Navy, commanding Her Majesty's Ship "WALLAROO".

      Whereas I have it in command from Her Majesty Queen Victoria through Her Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies to declare that Her Majesty has this day assumed a Protectorate over the Group of Islands known an the Stewart Islands, and named separately Sikaiana, Faore, Manduiloto, Harena, and Matu Avi with the surrounding reefs situated within the following limits, Latitude 8° 21' South and 8° 24' South and Longitude 162° 00' East and l63° 1' East from Greenwich.

      Now therefore I George Northmore Arthur Pollard Captain of Her Majesty's Ship "WALLAROC, do hereby proclaim and declare to all men that from and after the dates of these presents the above—mentBioned Islands of the Stewart Group have been placed under the British Solomon Island Protectorate under the jurisdiction of Her Majesty's High Commissioner for the Western Pacific.

      Given under my hand at Sikaiana Island this twenty first day of June 1897.

Witness
      (Sd) E.G.Chamberlain
                  Clerk
      H.M.S. "WALLAROO".

Sir,

      I have the honour to submit for your information my report on the Stewart Islands from observations and enquiries made at the time of landing to declare the islands under British Protection as brought before your notice in my report.

      2. The Stewart Islands have a short description in the Sailing directions, which, so far as they mention the subject, is correct and is sufficient for purposes of Navigation, but I may mention that the deep water runs to the edge of the reef on the lee side of the island with the same abruptness as other parts rendering anchoring in the ordinary way out of the question, but the "WALLAROO" was secured by laying a kedge anchor on the edge of the reef and lying to it by a steel hawser; also I am informed that the Trading Schooner which visits the islands every three or four months secures in the same way, though with some risk and it, is a doubtful method of security, as the same vigilance must be exercised to prevent possible accidents, if the wind changes, as if the Ship were under weigh.

      4.[sic] The inlet into the reef, of which there is only one, is very narrow, and when the water outside falls below the level of the reefs the outcome from the Lagoon is in the form of a cataract against, which it is impossible to

Rear Admiral Cyprian A.G.Bridge
            Commander-in-Chief,
                        AUSTRALIA

propel a boat of any size, or one that can not be lifted over the shallows at the edge. The body of water in the Lagoon, after the sea outside has fallen below the level of the coral, cannot, all escape during one tide, consequently this outrush, is going on till the water on the flood tide again reaches the level, which leaves little more than two hours quiet in the inlet. On passing this there is shallow water for a cable, with only a foot, or so at low tide, to cross, after which the Lagoon is entered which has deep water till close to the landing at Sikaiana Island.

      4. Sikaiana island is the largest of the group and contains the principal inhabitants and the chief village in which the King, as he is designated, has his residencee. The village, containing some 50 or 60 houses, lies facing a sandy beach on the north side of the island some 50 yards from the water; the houses stand in two rows with a road between, they are of a primitive frame construction with matted sides and roofs, but some of the best to do in the Settlement have corrugated iron coverings. That owned by the King is about, 30 feet by 15 in measurement containing no other furniture than matting on the ground on each side to lie on with a narrow pathway of clean stones in the centre. He also owns several houses, but I believe this one referred to is also used as the House of Assembly for the Elders to discuss matters connected with the community. In front of this building is a small grass plot looking as if it were habitually kept clean and clear of cocoanut litter that lays in heaps round other houses. On this grass plot the Union Jack was placed and the Protectorate declared over the Island.

      5. The inhabitants, I am informed, number about two

hundred (200) are of a thick set, sturdy appearance of a light coppery colour, and in appearance resemble more the inhabitants of the Hawaiian islands than others that I have seen.

      6. There is no Native costume the dress being any article of apparel that can he obtained, and they shew their anxiety to obtain a dress of any description by eagerly arraying themselves in any article of clothing that may he presented to them.

      7. They are cleanly in their habits and there are no offensive smells about the island, and beyond cocoanut litter the surroundings may he said to he neat and tidy.

      8. They have refused to allow a Missionary to settle on the islands, being satisfied, it appears with their form of religion, the nature of which I was unable to make out, though I am informed that it is a species of Idolatry, and that there is only one idol, which is kept solely in the hands of the King, the mystic secrets of which are only known to two others, and on such occasions as require communion the idol is conferred with by these three and the result doubtless acted on in their own manner.

      9.[sic] They are extremely anxious to he educated, and have offered as a salary for a white teacher, a house, a wife and ten cocoa nut trees. The value of the house and wife may not he substantial, but as cocoa nut trees in good condition yield from 200 to 250 nuts a year, the advertisement might he worth considering by a teacher not in Holy Orders, as they emphatically refuse to allow a Clergyman to settle on the islands.

      9. They are a healthy race on the whole, though they suffer a good deal from fever, the exact kind I was unable

to find out, but the, fully appreciate the efficacy of quinine so I presume it is of the Malarial order.

      10. The islands abound in cocoa nut trees, some banana and taro.

      11. I was unable to find out anything regarding their marriage customs and laws.

      12. Their dead are taken to sea and buried and they are of the belief that their spirits visit the islands.

      13. They have wells on the islands to supply themselves with water, also they store rain for their individual use, but for drinking purposes very little water is used, as they use principally cocoa nut milk to quench their thirst.

      14. They are visited every three or four months by a Schooner belonging to Messrs. Swanson and Co. of the Solomon Islands, who trade with them and bring away a certain quantity of Beche—de—Mer and Copra.

      15. I may mention that the export from these islands now of Beche—de—Mer is very small, the sea slug from over gathering having been nearly exterminated, but the trade in Copra is in full force, the Schooner bringing away each trip from 7 to 8 tons, and when it is understood that five thousand (50000?) cocoa nuts are required for one ton of copra the growth of nuts on these islands may he realised

(Sd) G. N A Pollard
Captain.           

      Admiral Sir Cyprian Arthur George Bridge GCB (1839 – 1924) was a British Royal Navy officer. He was Commander-in-chief of both the Australian Squadron and the China Squadron. He was promoted to rear-admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the Australian squadron in November 1894.

      Sir Henry James Vansittart Neale (1842-1923), Assistant Secretary
to Admiralty 1896-1903.

      Commander George Northmore Arthur Pollard, R.N. (1847 – 1920) served in the Royal Navy. He was captain of H.M.S. Wallaroo in the 1890's. He retired as a Rear-Admiral.

Document no. 95. 1897. "Admiralty reports regarding proclamations for Rennell, Bellona and Stewart Islands." Pages 1595 to 1609.

Pitcairn's Island  Note  Source  Whalesite