Revised Jun 22 2021
The first mention of Norfolk Island as 'a fit place for the reception of the Pitcairn community, occurs in a despatch from the Rt. Hon. Sir John S. Pakington, Bart., to Lieut.-Governor Sir W. Denison, dated Downing-street, Dec. 15, 1852. In this despatch Sir W. Denison was requested to transmit a report respecting the management requisite for the evacuation of the Island, and as to its resources, buildings, &c., and its suitableness to the people of Pitcairn.
An official communication, respecting the necessity of such a removal, was made by B. Toup Nicolas, Esq., Her Majesty's Consul at Raiatea, Society Islands, in a letter dated the 3rd of April, 1853, addressed to the Earl of Malmesbury.
In that year it was determined by the British Government to accede to the request of the people, and to transfer to Norfolk Island such of them as should desire to go thither. The benevolent plan thus decided upon was notified to the Pitcairn Fund Committee by letters from Herman Merivale, Esq., Under Secretary for the Colonies, dated December 14, 1853, and April 6, 1854. Under this arrangement, instructions were given to the Lieutenant-Governor of Norfolk Island, not to allow the lands on the island to be occupied by any other class of settlers.