Land Ownership and Control in Nauru

Abstract

"The article traces land ownership in Nauru (a small island in the Western Pacific) prior to, during and post colonial administration by Germany and Australia. Customary land dealing practices are contrasted with the arrangements implemented by colonial administrators and more recently the Naruan Lands Committee. The impact of non traditional influences such as judicial decisions on customary practices are discussed. The article had its origin as the basis for the Naruan Government's submission to the Commission of Inquiry into the Island's worked out phosphate lands."