Mitchell, Owen Cecil, 1904-1971: Photographs, chiefly of the Chatham Islands

Date: [ca 1900-1930s]

From: Mitchell, Owen Cecil, 1904-1971: Photographs, chiefly of the Chatham Islands

Reference: PAColl-10223

Description: Photograph prints of images taken on the Chatham Islands between circa 1900 to 1930s, with the majority taken in circa 1920s, by photographer Owen Cecil Mitchell. - Prints feature images of Tommy Solomon (also known as Tame Horomoana Rehe). He is seen in individual portraits and at other events with other community members. One image may have been taken in Christchurch. Rugby teams, family groups, a child with her toys, a young Pakeha woman wearing a Maori cloak, some young people riding a cow, ladies resting on the side of a path, and other social groups, including the tennis team at Lakehouse Tennis Court, are depicted. - Numerous scenic shots show island vistas, with an emphasis on coastal scenes often with rock formations and surf breaking. South East Island, The Horns, and Pitt Island are identifiable locations. Chatham Island lily and Ake Ake trees and other flora are featured in some images. Wildlife includes sea lions, [Albatrosses?] nesting, and a dead shark on a beach with four men standing on it between the dorsal fin and tail. - Images of industry and agriculture show steamers, fishing boats, and row boats. Bales of wool are seen being loaded onto a vessel and a wharf and shed [at Kaingaroa?]. A farm dog is shown standing with two trophies and there are images of other farm dogs and sheep. - Mitchell's postcards are titled "Maori & Moriori in Camp", "Sheep under the Ake Ake trees", "Wharf and Shed", and one lists the roll of honour and donations made by Chatham Islanders to the World War I war effort as at October 1915 (this photograph is taken by D F Blyth). Also includes a portrait of an unidentified man, the print of which has been made from a copy negative. - One image shows two men with a pile of human skulls and other bones, some of which they are holding but the rest of which they have arranged on the beach beside them. Hei whakamōhio: He whakaahua o ngā kōiwi tangata i roto i tēnei taonga. Please be aware this object/item contains images of human remains. Quantity: 107 b&w original photographic print(s) (Loose). Physical Description: Silver gelatin photoprints and postcards

Date: [ca 1900-1930s]

From: Mitchell, Owen Cecil, 1904-1971: Photographs, chiefly of the Chatham Islands

Reference: PA1-q-1178

Description: Album of photographs of life on the Chatham Islands, circa 1900 to 1930s, with the majority of images taken circa 1920s, taken by Owen Cecil Mitchell. Mitchell also most likely compiled the album. - Contains numerous group and individual portraits, many of families and children and often including animals such as pet lambs and sheep, dogs, horses, ducklings, and one image where a cow is being ridden. People are unidentified and are chiefly of European descent but there are also images of Moriori and, possibly, Māori. Includes images of farmer Tommy Solomon (also known as Tame Horomona Rehe) and rugby player Sigley Kamo. There are a number of rugby teams portraits and one school photo with children and teachers. A policeman is seen in uniform in one picnicking image and there are images of men working on farms, including shearers and shepherds) and on boats. - Album features social scenes with unidentified local people seen at community events such as picnics, horse races (with winning horses, jockeys, and trophies), playing tennis by a lake or inlet [Kaingaroa?], and at a hangi. Buildings photographed include the Post Office at Waitangi, Kaingaroa Homestead [and tennis courts?], Manukau Station, and the grandstand at the racecourse. - Includes photographs of agriculture and transport on the islands. A number of images show steam ships and row boats, one car is seen being towed by another, and there are numerous images of horses (both saddled and a pair of drays pulling a cart). Agricultural images primarily show sheep; they are photographed being shorn, transported in a row boat, in yards, and in paddocks. One image shows bales of wool on a wharf awaiting transportation. Woolsheds and other farm buildings are included. - Scenic images mainly show coastal areas and include The Horns, Tuku Gully, Pitt Island, and South East Island. Flora includes Chatham Island Lily as well as introduced and native plants. - Other images include sharks teeth [Great White Shark?], carvings, feather and woven cloaks, a beached whale, and swans on a lake. Album also contains images of human bones. - Front inside cover of album is decorated with postage stamps from the Dominion of New Zealand, the Republic of Panama, United States of America, and Denmark. Hei whakatūpato: He whakaahua o ngā kōiwi tangata i roto i tēnei taonga. Warning: Please be aware this item contains images of human remains. Arrangement: Five small yellow adhesive markers on random pages removed for conservation purposes. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Photograph album with brown cloth spine and decorated cloth boards (28.5 x 23cm) Processing information: Notes from researchers identifying photographs have been photocopied onto acid-free paper and are interleaved inside the album. Content warning and indexing terms added 3 May 2024.