PROMOTING NORFOLK'S CAUSE

Ed Howard moved to Norfolk Island in the 1970's, seeking a quiet life of retirement. Instead, this former American citizen found himself in the centre, and sometimes at the forefront of a political struggle to enshrine the historic rights of the Pitcairners into law. Ed Howard took Australian citizenship, then proceeded to "take on" the Australian Government. He served terms on the Assembly, and became a mentor to groups such as the Pitcairn Descendants' Society. Ed had the skills and resources to conduct research into legal and historical documents that would throw light on the issues involved, and he was also able to articulate the concerns and aspirations of many Norfolk Islanders.
When asked why he bothered, especially when his actions aroused strong opposition in many quarters, he said:

"I dislike bullies. When I see a bully, I move in."

Ed was keen to dispel the view that he supported full independence from Australia.
He said:
"Human sharks smell such situations and move in."
This still happens today. There are very few people who truly want to secede, but the idea does sound tempting when Australia refuses to negotiate or compromise on a fair and just basis.
Ed devoted considerable time to examining the documents surrounding the move of the Pitcairners from Pitcairn Island to Norfolk Island. He said it was true that later documents made it clear that there were to be limitations placed on the Pitcairners' rights to ownership of the land on Norfolk Island.
Nevertheless, Ed declared, the documents on which the Pitcairners based their agreement to leave their home did make it clear that Norfolk Island was to be ceded to them. Neither they, nor Lieutenant Gregorie who negotiated the move with the Pitcairners, were aware of later amendments. The view that the documents must be read in proper sequence is also promoted by Professor Ray Nobbs in his new book to be launched next month.
Ed was greatly persuaded by the strong oral tradition, handed down through island families, that Norfolk Island was rightfully theirs, a gift from Queen Victoria. He said:

"Nimmo found there was nothing to support any idea that Pitcairners have 'special rights' to Norfolk. I thought, hold on, if people have been believing something for five or six generations, there has got to be something in it."

There is no doubt that the battle that Ed Howard took on 20-30 years ago is much the same struggle that we face today. The Pitcairners, brought up on Christian values, believed that the word of the colonial authorities could be trusted and believed. They were sadly let down. And we are still being let down today.