Scrapbook of photographs and papers relating to Sidney James Anton

A scrapbook album compiled by Colin Feslier relating to Sidney James Anton. Comprises mainly materials created circa 1918 to circa 1920s which belonged to Anton.

First section of the album contains print-outs made by Feslier of online publications and an email relating to Feslier's research into the influenza outbreak on the World War One troop ship HMNZT 'Tahiti' and Feslier's transcription of Anton's Soldiers diary.

Second section of the album contains a selection of personal papers which belonged to Sidney James Anton, including papers which he created and that which he accumulated in relation to his war service: handwritten notes, business and visiting cards (some annotated with personal messages to Anton), printed ephemera, newspaper clippings, forms, and certificates. Items of note include: an order for postcards on a business card for "Reginald Haines artist in photography", London; a programme for "New Zealand v South Africa" 28 January 1919; railway warrants for Anton's service leave in the United Kingdom dated March 1919; a New Zealand Expedionary Force pass for Anton dated 16 July 1919; a dance card "Given by New Zealanders resident in Durban to the New Zealand Military Rugby Team 25th August 1919" which is annotated "S J Anton, NZFA"; Leave on discharge certificate dated September 1919; NZR Returned soldiers railway ticket dated October - November 1919; New Zealand Expeditionary Force certificate of discharge; card for the 1st battery NZFA First Annual reunion 13th August 1920; Wellington Returned soldiers Association membership card; Certificate of discharge dated 4th August 1942; Onslow Brass Band Supporters' Club membership card; NZ Military Forces inwards letter regarding application for mufti allowance; and National Service Emergency regulations certificate of enrolment dated 1941.

Third section of the album contains a numbered list created by Feslier which gives details about the photographs and some of the papers in the album. The list also refers to addresses.

Fourth section of the album contains a selection of black and white photographs and photographic postcards which belonged to Sidney James Anton. Taken by unidentified photographer(s), some probably by Anton. Each photograph has been annotated on the reverse by Feslier with a circled number which corresponds to the numbers on the list in the third section. Many of the photographs and postcards are annotated with messages or descriptions on the reverse, probably by Anton or his family members. Transcriptions made by Feslier of these annotations are included on the list.

Image content relates predominantly to Antons' service in World War One. Some images feature Sidney James Anton. Images of note include: Anton and other soldiers in army camp at Featherston and Heretaunga prior to leaving New Zealand; identified gunners on board ship 'Tahiti' (taken before they died onboard); the deck of the HMNZT 'Tahiti' in heavy seas taken a few days out of New Zealand; Anton and other soldiers on leave in South Africa visiting a family; portraits of Anton's sister Etta; Forth Bridge, and soldiers on leave with girls, Edinburgh July 1919; Anton with two donkeys or horses; soldiers onboard the SS 'Hororata' during the return voyage to New Zealand; the SS 'Hororata' itself; town hall, promenade in Durban.

Includes several images relating to Anton's social and family life circa World War One and post war: group snapshots including "Etta", "Don", "Babs", "Aggie", and "James" taken in Leith, Haddington, and London; a postcard of "Mother"; friends in costumes in Wellington; Anton and friend at Oriental Parade, and group portraits of "BFC 1924" [Brooklyn Football Club?] and rugby teams taken in the 1920s. Also includes two colour illustrated postcards bearing faint annotations.

Arrangement: Items were selected and arranged in the ringbinder by Colin Feslier. The photographic prints and postcards in the third section are in a numeric sequence which corresponds to the numbered paper list in the album. Some numbers are duplicated. There are no photographs which are numbered to match 94, 95, 100, 101, and 102 on the list. The original arrangement of the album has been retained by the Library.

Local historian Colin Feslier and donor Barbara Hoskins are both members of the Wellington Southern Bays Historical Society.

Quantity: 1 album(s) containing 106 b&w original photographic prints and postcards, 2 colour illustrated postcards, various papers and printed ephemera.

Physical Description: Black plastic office ringbinder containing plastic sleeves housing print-outs, printed ephemera, and black and white photographs and postcards; 31.5 x 27.5cm

Processing information: Each photographic print and postcard in this album has been housed in an individual archival enclosure within the ringbinder album for conservation reasons.

Pages of the scrapbook album are bound to prevent damage during storage. Pages should be rebound after access.