| Title |
Views in Melanesia |
| Reference |
GBR/0115/Y309A |
| Creator |
Various |
| Covering Dates |
1892 |
| Extent and Medium |
60 images; Fair condition. |
| Repository |
Cambridge University Library: Royal Commonwealth Society Library |
|
| Content and context |
|
An album containing mounted prints, most measuring approximately 205 x 150 mm. Photographs by Bishop Henry Hutchinson Montgomery, Rev. Dr. Henry Welchman and Rev. Arthur Brittain. A handwritten key at the front of the album provides the captions used in the catalogue. A passage from the preface of H.H. Montgomery's 'The light of Melanesia' in which many of these photographs are used as illustrations, contains a note on the photographers:
'The illustrations are from photographs taken chiefly by Dr. Welchman and the Rev. A.H. Brittain during my tour; a few are my own handiwork. The apparatus belonged to Mr. Beattie, photographer, Hobart, by whose direction we were able to save some ten dozen views from injury until he could develop them.'
The photographs were taken on a tour Montgomery made on behalf of Bishop John Selwyn around the Melanesian mission schools and churches between August and October 1892. The tour, in the mission ship 'Southern Cross,' started from Auckland and visited Norfolk Island, the Banks Group of islands, the Solomon Islands, and the New Hebrides.
After an almost accidental start, the mission thrust into the Melanesian islands was characterised by the individual stamp of its two most famous bishops, George Augustus Selwyn and John Coleridge Patteson. Selwyn's original letters patent unintentionally defined his see as extending to 34 degrees and thirty minutes North instead of 34 degrees and thirty minutes South, and he seized the opportunity to expand the bishopric into Melanesia. In 1847 he began making yearly trips to the islands, picking up young natives who were taken to Auckland to be taught and trained in Christian principles, the theory being that they would return to their islands and spread the gospel. Attractively simple in theory, the reality disclosed formidable difficulties: the size and number of the islands, the lack of any common language, and the hostility of the natives, all made progress painfully slow. Added to this, the missionaries had to give presents to secure the natives' friendship, and in the early years at least the motives of most of the islanders in leaving their homes was generally mercenary, and the veneer of Christianity shrugged off when they returned home. After Selwyn's years of frustration, Patteson, who made his first voyage in the islands in 1856, made various changes in the organisation of the Melanesian mission; Mota, in the Banks Group, was made the headquarters in 1859, and its language became the official missionary tongue, while the school was moved from Auckland to Norfolk Island, where fewer of the natives fell sick. Even so, progress was often dispiriting ('I know no more of them than I did years ago,' Patteson wrote in 1867).
By the time of Montgomery's tour in 1892 substantial progress had been made, with several factors giving the mission its individual character: through Patteson's work and personality it gained a reputation as a High Church, faintly aristocratic organisation, while through his death (plate 29) these tendencies were strengthened as the Martyr's writings were invoked as irrefutable argument. Montgomery, with unintentional humour, echoes these attitudes from time to time: 'Patteson says emphatically that these boys of his on this still savage island were acquiring insensibility the tone of a good English public school'. But perhaps the most important of the mission's achievements, initiated by Patteson, was an awareness of, and respect for the language and customs of the natives ('We ought to change as little as possible - only what is clearly incompatible with the simplest form of Christian teaching and practice').
|
Access and Use
|
Please cite as Cambridge University Library: Royal Commonwealth Society Library, Views in Melanesia, Y309A |
| Further information |
|
For a detailed account of this journey and many of the people and places portrayed in these photographs, see: Montgomery, Henry Hutchinson (1896), 'The light of Melanesia: a record of thirty-five years' mission work in the South Seas,' London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
Indexed
This item level description was entered by NE and MJC using information from the original typescript catalogue.
This collection is available on microfiche: Oceania, fiche numbers 1-2.
|
| Index Terms |
| Melanesia |
| Oceania |
| RCS/Y309A contains: |
|
1
|
Soga standing before his house at Sepi (Ysabel). 204 x 152 mm. A view showing native houses with Chief Soga standing in front of the central hut. The island of Santa Isabel lies in the south-eastern corner of the Solomons and was first visited by Patteson in 1862. Soga inherited the chieftainship of Sepi on the death in 1884 of Bera, and was baptized in 1889. Montgomery has nothing but praise for Soga, commending his Christian zeal, his administrative flair and his scholastic dedication in translating the gospels into Bugotu (see Montgomery, pp. 225-232).
Poor condition, dirt stains and some fading.. |
1892 |
|
2
|
Soga (Chief of Bugotu-Ysabel). 205 x 152 mm. A portrait of Soga taken at the same location as Y307A/1, but from closer in and showing the chief's arm bands and necklace.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
3
|
Soga's canoe house. 205 x 152 mm. A view of the exterior of a large meeting house with villagers grouped in front for the camera. The man standing in the centre of the group dressed in European clothes is probably a native mission teacher.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
4
|
View from hill above Perihandi, Ysabel, with distant view of King George's Island. 202 x 153 mm. A view looking over jungle towards the bay and the sea.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
5
|
Dancers at Ysabel, Solomon Islands. 205 x 152 mm. A view showing a group of female dancers, wearing skirts and carrying decorated poles posing in front of native huts.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
6
|
At Ysabel. 205 x 152 mm. A view showing native families standing in front of their huts. |
1892 |
|
7
|
[Natives in front of church: unidentified print]. 204 x 152 mm. A view showing three youths sitting on the ground in front of a native church. The caption states '(The bishop can't recollect where this is.) Put it anywhere you like.'.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
8
|
Parliament at Hongo-Florida-Solomon Group. 206 x 151 mm. A view showing Rev. Palmer addressing the assembled natives at the annual Parliament, with Bishop Montgomery standing at his side. This photograph taken by Dr Welchman on September 21st, is used as an illustration in 'The Light of Melanesia'. |
1892 |
|
9
|
Parliament at Hongo-Florida-Solomon Group. 205 x 152 mm. A view showing the native chiefs in European clothes sitting on a bench, with other natives on the ground. Tambukoro, in white clothing, sits at the right of the group of chiefs. |
1902 |
|
10
|
Tambukoro and Peter the teacher. 145 x 216 mm. A view showing the two men standing in front of a native hut. Tambukoro is on the left, dressed in a white suit. |
1892 |
|
11
|
Church at Hongo. 205 x 152 mm. A view showing the church exterior, with four natives standing in front. This photograph is used as an illustration in 'The Light of Melanesia'. |
1892 |
|
12
|
Hongo, with island of Mandolina. 205 x 151 mm. A view taken from the beach at Hongo, with Mandolians visible in the distance.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
13
|
Island of Mandoliana. 205 x 152 mm. A view from the sea, looking towards the island, and showing beach and jungle. |
1892 |
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14
|
Mr Nielsen, the trader. 206 x 153 mm. A view showing the bearded trader sitting on the verandah of a house in a wicker chair. Nielsen is not mentioned in any detail by Montgomery, who only states that Nielsen's store is situated beside the Scudamore Channel in Florida.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
15
|
The 'Southern Cross' in Sandfly Channel, Florida. 204 x 152 mm. A view looking across the water towards the 'Southern Cross' with the hills and jungles of Florida in the distance. See Y309A/21 for a note on the mission ship.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
16
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Canoe at Hongo-Florida. 205 x 151 mm. A view showing a native canoe, in which three islanders are seated.
Fair condition, slight fading and one retouched area.. |
1892 |
|
17
|
School at Soa - Malanta - Joesph Waite the teacher. 206 x 152 mm. A view showing the bamboo and palm-thatched building, in front of which stand the teacher and a row of native children.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
18
|
The 'Southern Cross' at Fort Adam. 205 x 152 mm. A view showing the beach and harbour at Port Adam, with the 'Southern Cross' visible in the distance. See Y309A/21 for a note on the mission ship.
Poor condition, some fading and one retouched area.. |
1892 |
|
19
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Teacher and others at Port Adam. 205 x 149 mm. A view showing the native teacher and two other islanders standing in front of a hut.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
20
|
Men at Soa - Malanta. 204 x 148 mm. A view showing a group of native men and children grouped in front of a bamboo house, and holding spears and other weapons. Two of the natives, wearing European clothing, are probably connected with the mission. |
1892 |
|
21
|
The 'Southern Cross' at Nelua, Santa Cruz. Taken from Natei's House. 205 x 151 mm A view looking across the harbour to where the mission ship is moored, surrounded by native craft. At the time of Montgomery's tour the 'Southern Cross' was almost brand new, having been completed in 1891 at a cost of £10,000. This photograph is used as an illustration in 'The Light of Melanesia'.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
22
|
Feather money, brought to Forrest's house at Nelua. Price of girl bought as teacher's wife. 204 x 151 mm. A view showing Mr A.E.C. Forrest, a European lay worker, standing among natives who carry large coils of feather money. This photograph is used as an illustration in 'The Light of Melanesia'. |
1892 |
|
23
|
Natei - Chief near Nelua. 153 x 204 mm. A view showing Natei, wearing a loin cloth and holding a bow and arrows, standing in front of a stone wall.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
24
|
Natei and a dancing party at Nelua. 204 x 151 mm. A view showing Natei, in native dress and wearing a ceremonial hat, standing in front of a group of similarly attired warriors.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
25
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Round houses of natives at Timotu, Santa Cruz (mentioned by the Spaniards in the 16th century). 202 x 145 mm. A view showing the round palm-thatch houses, with natives standing outside. A photograph taken at Graciosa Bay, where the Spaniards under Mendana attempted to found a colony in 1597. |
1892 |
|
26
|
Timotu boys and round houses. 206 x 150 mm. A view showing two young native children standing on a hillock, with other natives and a round house in the background. |
1892 |
|
27
|
Carlisle Bay - Commodore Goodenough's memorial cross - killed 1875. 204 x 147 mm. A view showing the cross erected at the water's edge in memory of Commodore James Goodenough who was killed by natives in that place. In the background stand a group of natives beside a ship's boat - positioned there by Montgomery in order to reproduce the scene when Goodenough landed. Montgomery describes the taking of this photograph in some detail, how it was thought wise to inform the inhabitants of what they were doing, and the positioning of the natives. |
1892 |
|
28
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Commodore James Goodenough's cross. 204 x 151 mm. A close-up of the cross, with two natives sitting on the ground beside it. |
1892 |
|
29
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Bishop Patteson's cross at Nukapu- the Bishop was killed in the house just behind the cross. 204 x 152 mm. A view showing the cross and the palm-thatch hut, with natives clustered around the memorial. Bishop John Patteson was killed in 1871, probably in retaliation for kidnappings by labour ships.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
30
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Natives of Nukapu. 152 x 205 mm. A view showing a group of native men, wearing loin-cloths and nose rings, standing among bananas and palm trees. |
1892 |
|
31
|
Inside church at Vava - Torres Island. 207 x 149 mm A view looking along the interior of the wooden building, with mats and benches laid on the ground. See also Y309A/11. |
1892 |
|
32
|
Rev. Robert Pantutun and family - Deacon at Vava, Torres Islands. 151 x 205 mm. A view showing Pantutun, his wife and two young children standing in front of the church at Vava. Pantutun started working at Vava in 1884, coming from Mota and his wife from Lo.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
33
|
Girls at Pantutun's school. 152 x 205 mm. A view showing a group of youths standing in front of the church at Vava (as in Y309A/32 and 31). |
1892 |
|
34
|
Boys at Pantutun's school. 152 x 205 mm. A view showing a group of youths standing in front of the church at Vava (as in Y309A/33 and 32).
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
35
|
Ureparapara - George Nara's school (outside the crater). 205 x 151 mm. A view looking along the village street towards the school, in front of which a group of natives are standing. Ureparapara, the most northern of the Banks Islands, was also known as Blight Island and the Melanesian Mission ran two schools there, one situated inside, and one outside the crater of this extinct volcanic island.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
36
|
Rev T.C. Cullwick and George Nara and his wife Alice. 205 x 152 mm. A view showing the three figures standing on the verandah of a native house. Reverend Cullwick (who is variously given the initials T.C. and T.G. in Montgomery's book) joined the Mission in 1877, and was stationed at Mota. George Nara is not mentioned by Montgomery but may have been one of the native teachers. |
1892 |
|
37
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Boys and Girls at Ureparapara. 150 x 206 mm. A view showing a posed group of young native children. |
1892 |
|
38
|
Rev. Henry Tagalana at Motlav and Ra. 100 x 142 mm. A view showing the native missionary and his wife standing against a background of trees. The two adjoining islands of Motlav (also spelt Motalava) and Ra were under the joint charge of Rev. Tagalana and the Rev. Walter Woser (see Y309A/41). Tagalana went to Auckland in 1862, then to Norfolk Island in 1866, where he remained three years. He was ordained deacon in 1873 and priest a few years later.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
39
|
Rev George Saraioia and his wife at Mota. 99 x 144 mm. A view showing the Rev. Saraioia (also spelt Sarawia) and his wife, standing against a background of trees. Sarawia was one of Selwyn's converts taken to New Zealand in 1857, and eventually becoming one of the mission's great successes. Saraioia worked in Mota until his death in 1901.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
40
|
Three girls at Motlav, Banks Islands. 101 x 144 mm. A view showing three young native girls posing for the camera.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
41
|
Rev Walter Woser and his wife, Motlav and Ra. 99 x 141 mm. A view showing the native clergyman and his wife standing against a backdrop of trees. Woser went to the mission school at Auckland in 1865, and started a school at Motlav on his return. He was ordained deacon in 1886.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
42
|
Boys and girls in the lagoon between Motlav and Ra (picking up fish killed by dynamite). 205 x 151 mm. A view showing boys and girls standing in the water, with canoes in the background. The photograph is used as an illustration in 'The Light of Melanesia'.
Fair condition, some yellowing and fading.. |
1892 |
|
43
|
After they had got their fish. 204 x 152 mm. A view showing young native children holding up their catch of fish.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
44
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Group before a house in Ra (there is an albino child in centre of group). 204 x 151 mm. A view showing a group of families posed outside the entrance to a native house. |
1892 |
|
45
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Carved figure before a house in Ra (a boar's jaw in its arms). 151 x 205 mm. A view of a finely carved wooden figure standing outside the entrance to a native house. |
1892 |
|
46
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Landing place at Merelav (an old lava stream). 205 x 152 mm. A view showing Europeans landing from a ship's boat, with natives standing on the landing place which is formed by a natural spit of rock jutting out into the water.
Fair condition, fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
47
|
Native pigs at Merelav. 205 x 152 mm. A view showing two pigs rooting about on the village street, with natives and native houses in the background.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
48
|
Rev Walter Vaget's school house at Merelav. 204 x 152 mm. A view looking down on the small thatched school house with natives in the small square in the foreground. Merelav (sometimes spelt Merolava, and also known as Star Island) was under the charge of Rev. Vaget (referred to as William rather than Walter Vaget in 'The Light of Melanesia') who was ordained a deacon by Montgomery and taken to Merelava by him during the 1892 tour.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
49
|
Rev J Palmer at Merelav. 206 x 150 mm. A view showing Rev. Palmer sitting by the roadside reading, with his pith helmet beside him. Based at Mota, Palmer was in charge of all the schools in the Banks Islands and accompanied Montgomery on his tour. He joined the mission in 1863, becoming Archdeacon of South Melanesia in 1894. This photograph is used as an illustration in 'The Light of Melanesia'. |
1892 |
|
50
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Children at Merelav. 206 x 151 mm. A view showing three young native children sitting at the roadside. A photograph taken at the same spot as Y309A/49.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
51
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Watering the ship at Black Beach, Santa Maria. 205 x 151 mm. A view looking along the beach and showing a hose being run ashore from a ship's boat to take on fresh water. Montgomery describes this picture as being 'one of the best photographs we took during the tour', p. 65. |
1892 |
|
52
|
Watering the ship at the waterfall at Maewo. 205 x 152 mm. A slightly blurred print showing the ship's boat being manoeuvred upriver towards the waterfall.
Fair condition, some fading.. |
1892 |
|
53
|
Waterfall at Maewo. 149 x 205 mm. A view looking towards the largest of the falls at Maewo. |
1892 |
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54
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Waterfall at Maewo. 151 x 205 mm. A view of another part of the cascades at Maewo. See also Y309A/53. |
1892 |
|
55
|
Group of clergy on board the mission ship 'Southern Cross'. 204 x 149 mm. A view showing a group of clergymen grouped at the stern of the 'Southern Cross'. Of the eight figures five can be identified: Back row, left to right: unidentified, Rev Palmer, Captain Bongard, Bishop Montgomery. Front row: unidentified, unidentified, Rev Cullwick, A.E.C. Forrest. |
1892 |
|
56
|
The Captain of the 'Southern Cross', Captain Bongard. 151 x 204 mm. A full length portrait of Captain Bongard standing at the helm of the 'Southern Cross'. It was Bongard, a mate of the earlier mission ship, also named 'Southern Cross', who found Bishop John Patteson's corpse in a canoe anchored off Nukapu, 'Wrapped in a mat, with a palm branch on it, the fronds being tied into five knots', p. 156.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
57
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Captain and crew of the 'Southern Cross'. 204 x 152 mm. A group portrait of the captain and eleven crew members posed in the stern of the 'Southern Cross'.
Fair condition, some fading in from edges.. |
1892 |
|
58
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The bows of the 'Southern Cross'. 205 x 152 mm. A view looking along the deck towards the stern, where native boys and crew members are gathered.
Poor condition, fading and yellowing.. |
1892 |
|
59
|
The stern of the 'Southern Cross'. 204 x 151 mm. A view of the stern, showing the helmsman and young native children.
Poor condition, fading and some dirt marks.. |
1892 |
|
60
|
Teacher and scholars at Malanta. 206 x 156 mm. Printed from a broken photographic plate. A view of the teacher Joseph Waite and his wife and family. The taking of this photograph is described by Montgomery: 'One morning at six o' clock, I landed with Mr Palmer at Soa, and walked up to the village with the camera. The teacher here is a well-known man. Joseph Wate was on board the 'Southern Cross' when John Patteson was killed at Nukapu, and has always borne a good character. His wife has a charming face, and looked a worthy helpmeet. I took a good photograph of the family, including a crippled boy, who was tenderly nursed by them', p. 179.
Poor condition, fading and dirt stains.. |
1892 |
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