BATHURST ISLAND

Rock-strewn tundra of the barren Arctic lands of Polar Bear Pass on Bathurst Island, Nunavut, 1/4 one of the Parry Islands in the Baffin region, Nunavut territory, northern Canada, between the islands of Cornwallis (east) and Melville (west) and north of Parry Channel. Bathurst Island is 160 miles (260 km) long and 50-100 miles (80-160 km) wide and has an area of 6,194 square miles (16,042 square km). The highest point is about 1,500 feet (457 metres). Its northern coastline is deeply indented by Erskine and May inlets. The entire coastline is fringed with islets, and several islands stretch in a northwesterly direction from its western tip. Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area (1990), which extends through the centre of the island, has been the site of a wildlife research station since 1968. Discovered in 1819 by the British explorer Sir William Parry, the island was named for Henry Bathurst, the 3rd Earl Bathurst, then secretary for war and the colonies. island in the Timor Sea, Northern Territory, Australia, separated from Melville Island to the east by Apsley Strait. Densely wooded, it is triangular and has an area of about 1,000 square miles (2,600 square km). The island was explored in 1818 by Phillip Parker King, who recommended it for European settlement, and was named after the 3rd Earl Bathurst, secretary for war and the colonies (1812-27). It later became the site of an Aboriginal reserve and of a large Roman Catholic mission. The island was the target of the first Japanese bombing attack against Australia in 1942. In 1978 ownership of the island passed from the crown to the Tiwi Land Council of tribal representatives. Cattle and varied crops are raised. Pop. (1981) 1,032.