Photographs of New Guinea

285 x 230 mm. The Reverend James Chalmers was sent out to persuade local chiefs to come on board H.M.S. Nelson, and here Commodore Erskine explains the meaning of the protectorate to them. He is seen shaking hands with Boe Vagi, as he presents him with his ebony stick of authority ('rather a nice idea', Romilly remarks). The other chiefs sit on the deck, while the ship's company is gathered behind. Various national flags have been draped above the deck as awnings (see Y3084A/ 29, showing the same scene a few moments later, where the American flag is plainly discernible). Behind Erskine, in white suit and topee stands Reverend Lawes, interpreting, and between Erskine and Boe Vagi, is H.H. Romilly. In the foreground, back to camera between Lawes and Erskine, is probably Captain Bridge of H.M.S. Espiegle. The portly bearded figure in a topee behind Lawes is possibly Henry Chester, who announced the annexation of South-eastern New Guinea on behalf of the Queensland Government in April 1883.

Indexed

http://www.dspace.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/1413