PITCAIRN ISLAND
A small volcanic island, rugged in appearance rising to 330m, it is situated in the Pacific Ocean roughly mid-way between Panama and New Zealand, east south east of Tahiti. Even at Bounty Bay, the only landing place, access to Pitcairn Island from the sea is difficult.
View of Pitcairn Island, 1930.
Archaeological remains prove the island was inhabited by Polynesians some 600 years ago. Fletcher Christian and eight of the Bounty mutineers accompanied by twelve Tahitian women and six men made it their home in 1790.
Pitcairn Island stamps.
Carved flying fish, Pitcairn Island.
Pitcairn Islanders, 1930.
Pitcairn Island school, 1930.
The island was abandoned in 1856 for Norfolk Island, however, 43 Pitcairn Islanders found their way back and since then the island has been permanently settled. The population is now some 50 people.
Pitcairn is under the British High Commissioner in New Zealand who is Governor of Pitcairn and neighbouring Henderson, Ducie and Oeno islands.
First Day Cover, Pitcairn Island.
Access is only by sea and anyone wishing to land must obtain a licence which is valid for six months.
The only houses are owned by families, and there are no hotels or guest houses. Accommodation with one of the families can be arranged for visitors by applying to the island magistrate. All roads are dirt and transport is by motorcycle or on foot.
Most of the inhabitants are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church so there is no tobacco smoking or consumption of liquor. Gardening and fishing are an important part of tropical and sub-tropical crops for local consumption.
For More Information Contact:
BRITISH CONSULATE GENERAL
The Mystery of Pitcairn
The Wreck of the Pandora Jane's Oceania Home Page Postcards from Pitcairn Island
Pacific Islands Radio Stations
