Simpson, George Clifford, 1917-2007: Papers relating to Raoul Island

Pocket diary kept by George Clifford Simpson during his year working as a labourer for the Public Works Department on Raoul Island in the Kermadec Islands, Jan-Dec 1940. Contains short daily entries relating to most aspects of life working and living on the island.

- Simpson describes road construction (clearing land of pohutukawa and other vegetation, filling holes with pumice, erosion, equipment) and building the meteorological station and radio station, as well as a flying fox to Fisherman's Rock and a tennis court. Topics covered include daily progress on construction projects, obstacles to work (weather conditions, large stumps, and rocks "goolies"), and those he works with. Also describes days off and recreational activities including fishing trips, hikes, letter writing, swimming, playing music (singing, guitar), drinking, gambling, hunting (including goats, cats, turtles), harvesting fruit (oranges and plums), and a rat infestation. Also describes getting sick after being stung by a bee, earthquakes, food, and a fellow worker, Jack Stephenson, falling ill and dying soon after being evacuated from the island.

- Diary also contains Simpson's description of his passage to the Kermadec Islands on the ship 'Tagua'. Mentions the passing of a British warship and an American transporter, ocean conditions, and the delays and arrivals of boats with supplies and mail including 'Tagua', 'Matua', 'Monowai', and 'New Golden Hind' as well as the unloading of those supplies.

Source of title - Supplied by Library

Quantity: 1 volume(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 0.02 Linear Metres.

Physical Description: Mss, electronic files

Provenance: Donor is the daughter of Cliff Simpson

Transfers: Collection as a whole taken into Manuscripts, transfers made from here. - To Photographic Archive - Raoul Island photograph album PA1-o-1929.