LESSONS FROM HISTORY

It has been said that those who do not learn from the mistakes of history are bound to repeat them.
This does not mean that we should carry around rage and resentment about injustices of the past. Rather, by examining what has gone before, we gain a better understanding and perspective about the causes and outcomes of certain events, actions and policies that have played a part in our past. This enables us to make clearer and better informed decisions about our future.
Professor Raymond Nobbs has written a book that deals with a significant period in the history of this island and its people. Although the book is a sort of sequel to Ray's two earlier books on the First and Second penal settlements, it is significantly different in that it deals mainly with a different set of people - namely, the Pitcairn/Norfolk community. The history focusses mainly on the period 1856-1956, but explores some of the background of the earlier times on Pitcairn island, and some of the changes and trends that were having an effect on the island beyond 1956 into more recent times.
It is refreshing to read a history of the island written by someone who is proud to call himself a Norfolk Islander, and who therefore has a better appreciation of the values and culture of the island's people. Ray does not shrink from examining very thoroughly many of the controversial issues surrounding the rights of the island community and its treatment at the hands of the colonial and Commonwealth authorities. Nevertheless, he has managed to create a very balanced overview and narrative of the "Pitcairn Period" of settlement on Norfolk Island.

I would like to quote from one review of the book:

"Beautiful Norfolk Island continues to be a place which fascinates, intrigues and at times bewilders. Has ever such a small piece of land had such a deep and rich history? Professor Nobbs' book is just what is needed to make sense of the past and therefore in many ways the same issues which are still here in the present of this remarkable island and its people. I commend this book highly for those who already know and love the island. I commend it highly to those who do not, but for whom this account of a community seeking to maintain its identity in the challenges of increasing globalisation will be fascinating."
THE RT. REV. ROBERT FORSYTH
ANGLICAN BISHOP OF SOUTH SYDNEY

Ray's book is due to be launched on Norfolk Island on Bounty Day. I wish it was "out there" now, because it would greatly assist in our understanding of how we got where we are today!!

However, to keep your appetite whetted, I will, with Ray's permission, be quoting from it from time to time.