Cartwright, Cyril G F, d 1943 : Letters from Ocean and Gilbert Islands

Letters, mainly to his mother; some original, but most are copies typed for circulation among his family. Describes his voyage to Sydeny and thence to Ocean Island, Tarawa and the Southern Gilbert Islands. Include detailed descriptions of the various islands, transport, accommodation, food, local governments, dances, rivalry between Protestant and Catholic missions, leprosy and British Phosphate Commission labour practices.

Source of title - Transcribed

Cyril Cartwright, who was with the British Colonial Service, was appointed to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony in 1934. In Jun 1934, he toured the Central Gilberts and in July was made acting District Agent in the Southern Gilberts, based at Beru. In Jun 1935 he became Government Secretary on Ocean Island, remaining on the Island with four other Europeans after most of the other Europeans and some Chinese and Gilbertese were evacuated in Mar 1942. He died during the Japanese occupation, probably in 1943.

Quantity: 1 microfilm reel(s).

Finding Aids: See http://rspas.anu.edu.au/pambu/.

Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Purchase, PMB, 2006