H-Bomb Tests Disturbed Quiet Of Fanning Island

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29102, 14 January 1960, Page 5

H-Bomb Tests Disturbed Quiet Of Fanning Island

■■Tho Press' Special Service

WELLINGTON, January 13. Although they have lived the last two years in the idyllic setting of a tropical Pacific Island, Mr Danny Anderson and his wife Ellen have a clearer impression than most of the devastating powers of the hydrogen bomb. After a tour of duty on Fanning Island, they have vivid memories of the nuclear bomb tests held off Christmas Island in 1958.

The bombs were dropped 200 miles away from Fanning Island but they saw the flash and about 15 minutes later the ominous sound of the explosion rolled like thunder across the waters of the Pacific. This demonstration of destructive development was in complete contrast to the peace and tranquillity of life on their equatorial island. “If anything, life on the island was just a wee bit too quiet,” said Mr Anderson last night in the rich burr of his native Scotland. 12 Families He and Mrs Anderson —who is an Australian —were one of 12 European families on the island. As mechanical engineer on the generation plant for the cables and wireless station on the island, Mr Anderson was responsible for maintaining the communications link between Sydney, Auckland, Suva to the south and Vancouver to the north.

He was also responsible for maintaining power for the island’s housing, for the refrigeration plant and for the water supply. After coming ashore in Wellington from the ship Matua which brought them from Suva, the shops and traffic of the city were strange “and very welcome” after two years on an island without

shops and only two trucks. In their suitcases they carried many gifts of Gilbertese craft seldom seen outside the islands. Beautiful fans, basketwork, and ornamental swords fashioned by the skilful fingers of the natives were presented to the couple during a “bartere” (evening of traditional songs and dances) held in their honour just before their departure. Busy Months The nuclear tests of 1958 provided the busiest three months of their stay, for scientists and Navy personnel came to the island to prepare for the tests. After that short spell, life for the Europeans and small population of Gilbertese returned to normal isolation. The only contact with the outside world was a supply ship from Australia which brought provisions and a stock of movies every five months, which were screened once a week on the island.