Martin album one

Album of photographs collected by Robert Thomas Martin relating mainly to his work as a telegraph worker in Suva during the 1953 Royal Tour of Fiji but also to the Auckland Cable Station in 1952 and 1953. One 1949 image shows Christchurch City. Photographers are unidentified, but possibly some images are taken by Martin himself.

Photographs of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Fiji in 1953 include: rehearsal of the welcoming ceremony; the HMS 'Gothic' entering Suva Harbour and the arrival of the Royal Barge at Kings Wharf; the royal car travelling past spectators; a parade by the Fijian Police Force; unidentified soldiers at a military checkpoint; the presentation of flowers by Adi Mei Kainoa; and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with Sir Ronald Garvey, Lady Garvey and Pamela Mountbatten. The welcoming ceremony at Albert Park (including spectators, dancers, and the matanivanua) is also covered. Later images show the royals visiting Adi Cakobau School at Sawani and the Central Medical School Tamavua.

Further images from Fiji relate to Martin's work and leisure during his time in the country. These photographs, mainly in Suva, include: the view from the Cable and Wireless veranda showing the South Seas Hotel and the Fiji Times, interior of the cable office with equipment and unidentified workers, Sacred Heart Cathedral (exterior and interior), drinking at the Suva Bowling Club, preparing a traditional Fijian lovo barbeque, and swimming in the Nasina River near Kalabo Village with local women. Album also includes a copy of an image of the Pacific Cable Station and Victoria Parade, Suva, circa 1900. Identified people include Col [Colin] Cotter, Steve Ruane, Mr and Mrs Montague.

Images of Cable Station in Auckland include Sydney Receive Circuit staff group portrait with Ken Rea, Jack Potter, Col [Colin] Smyth, Norm Jones, Tom Arkins and Steve Ruane. Also, a series of images, mainly group portraits, of the farewell party of J R Baird, manager of the cable station on March 31 1952. Also holds a view of Christchurch taken from the Cathedral Spire in 1949.

Some photographs in this album can also be found in PA1-o-1845.

Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s).

Physical Description: Black cardboard photograph album with marbled paper inset on inner cover.