FANNING ISLAND.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12976, 2 December 1907, Page 7

FANNING ISLAND.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. SUVA, November 30. Fanning Island has been sold for £25,000 to Father Rougier.

Fanning Island is part of the Griog ©state. Fanning and Washington Islands were pioneered by WiEhani Grieg, a British subject, who -arrived on thorn about forty year© ago and exported the island produce to Ameri-; ca. Later he entered into partnereibip with Georgo Bicknell. Bicknell pro-deceased Grieg, who named as his executors his son, George Grieg, and his 6on-"in-Law, Captain E. D. Reid. Bicknell by his will left his half-shore in the islands to his oivly son. This eon was found by Mr Berkeley, a Fiji solicitor, who pressed his claim to the estate managed by Grieg's executors. To wind up the estate tho islands had to be put under the ham. mer. The British Government proclaimed some time «go that whoever purchased them tho island® wore to remain British territory, the reason for this step being tli© islands' importance as a station for the Canada" an-Austra-iian oable. Grieg, th© pioneer, died in San Francisco. His body was interred on board ship in consecrated mould and a yotmg acacia tree planted above it. Grave and" tree were transported to Fanning Island, whero the ncaoia planted in Fanmung Island still marks the pioneer's last resting-place. Fanning Island h&n only 150 inhabitants, but is rich in copra, and guano.