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Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7349, 2 December 1907, Page 2

Per Press Association —Copyright. SALE OP FANNING ISLAND. SUVA, November 30. Fanning Island has been sold for £25,000 to Father Rougier. Received December 2, 10.3 a.m. MELBOURNE, December 2. Mr Deiikin doubts the accuracy of the report about the sale of "Fanning Island. The Government has not been advised of the transaction.

Fanning Island is part of the Grieg estate. Fanning and Washington Islands were pioneered by William Grieg, a British subject, who arrived on them about forty years ago, and exported the island produce to America. Later he entered into partnership with George Bicknell. Bicknell pre-deceased Grieg, who named as his. executors his son, George Grieg, and his son-in-law, Captain E. D. Reid. Bicknell by his ■will left his half-share in the islands to his only son. This son was recently found by Mr Berkeley, a Fiji solicitor, who pressed 'his claim to tho estate managed by Grieg's executors. To wind up the estate the islands had to be put under the hammer. The British Government proclaimed some time ago that whoever purchased them the islands were to remain British territory, the reason for this step being the islands' importance as a station for the Canadian-Australian cable. Grieg, the pioneer, died in San Francisco. His body was interred on board dhip in consecrated mould, and a young acacia tree planted above it. Grave and tree were transported to Fanning Island, where the acacia planted in Fanning Island still marks the pioneer's last resting-nlace. Fanning Island has only 150 inhabitants, but is rich in copra and guano.