Worked for Post Office. Took a photograph of Pelorus Jack the dolphin some time between 1888 and 1912 (the years the dolphin was sighted). Born 30 Aug 1874. Son of William Melvin Brown Esson and Mary Ann Esson. Attended Picton School. Married Amy Isabel Dodd in 1906. Died in 1966 aged 91 years; birth registered in 1874 [Source: Online historical BDM]
Esson, Melvin Brown, 1874-1966
There are 2 related items to this topic
Manuscript
Esson family :Papers relating to Melvin Brown Esson
Date: 1946, [n d]
By: Esson family
Reference: MS-Papers-11755
Description: Papers relating to Melvin Brown Esson. Includes biographical notes by Cyril Esson on his career in Post Office and a pamphlet on the New Zealand Day (1840-1946) Cemmorative Dinner at Grosvenor House, London in which M B Esson was a guest. Source of title - Supplied by Library Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Provenance: Donated by the Esson family, June 2014 Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Esson family, Wellington, June 2014 Transfers: From Ephemera Collection - PR-14-0274.
Online
Image
Pelorus Jack
Date: ca 1904
By: Esson, Melvin Brown, 1874-1966
Reference: 1/2-003190-F
Description: The dolphin Pelorus Jack diving through waves. This photograph was probably taken while he was accompanying a boat travelling between Nelson and Wellington. Taken by M B Esson circa 1904. Inscriptions: Recto - bottom right - Pelorus Jack - this remarkable white fish, a species of dolphin, accompanied for several miles all steamers passing through the French Pass, on the Nelson to Picton run, New Zealand. Jack was estimated to be from 12 to 16 feet in length and was protected by Government regulation. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).