Guide to the Evan R. Stanley Map Collection

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MFC 41

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Collection Summary

Creator
Stanley, Evan Richard
Title
Evan R. Stanley Map Collection
Date Range
ca. 1914-1924
Collection Number
MFC 41
Extent
22 items in 1 map folder
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Special Collections (Maps)

Introduction

Conditions Governing Access

Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8077396).

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of map item], Evan R. Stanley Map Collection, National Library of Australia, [item number]'.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated to the National Library of Australia by Professor Fiona Stanley, Evan R. Stanley's granddaughter, in 2002, along with manuscript and pictures materials.

View the catalogue record for the Papers of Evan R. Stanley, 1908-1986, at MS 7933.

Map 5 relates to 'The Papuan Petroleum Area', published in the 1913 AAAS proceedings, in Folder 7, in which Stanley draws comparisons between the geology of New Guinea and its near Asian neighbours, and the inherent mineral resources they have in common.

Map 9 shows the location of oil, gas and other mineral resources, and tracks to Aro Aro village and the Vailala River, these last two identified as potentially significant oil-yielding areas by Stanley in his 'Notes' and in his publication in the 1913 Proceedings of the AAAS, Folder 7.

Map 10 relates to Extracts from Papuan Annual Reports 1909-25: 'Report on the Geology of the Vailala Petroleum Area, Gulf Division, Papua,' 1912, in Folder 3.

Map 11 shows Opa village in relation to Kiri; Opa identified by Stanley as having significant oil-bearing potential. Relates to 1912 Report in Folder 3.

Separated Materials

View the catalogue record for the Papers of Evan R. Stanley, 1902-1987, at MS 9713.

Maps 6-8 show Misima in context with the rest of Papua and how it is related geologically to various land masses. They relate to Box 1 Folder 2: Articles for the Bulletin of the Territory of Papua (1915 and 1921), which centre on the geology of the island of Misima (St Aignan).

Map 10 shows tracks to Parimamu and Aro Aro, identified by Stanley as potentially significant petroleum-yielding areas. This relates to Box 1 Folder 1 'Introduction.'

Map 11 shows Opa village in relation to Kiri; Opa identified by Stanley as having significant oil-bearing potential. Relates to Box 1 Folder 1 'Introduction,'

Map 12 complements Stanley's observations in his article 'A Contribution to the Geology of New Guinea' in the 1921 Bulletin of the Territory of Papua in Box 1 Folder 2. Stanley refers to the potential for water power in New Guinea through the harnessing of its rainfall which, combined with its high mountains and steep terrain, results in numerous large rivers.

Map 13 shows geographical features such as numerous peaks which are possibly the mud volcanoes referred to by Stanley in 'Notes on the Papuan Petroleum Area,' 1912, in Box 1 Folder 1. This map complements 'Notes' by showing the location of villages and tribes described by him, as well as camps and mission stations.

Map 15 shows the route taken by the 1920-21 Commonwealth Scientific Expedition's ship, Wattle, along the Ramu and other rivers, and to locations such as New Britain. Stanley's 1922 'Report on The Salient Geological Features and Natural Resources of the New Guinea Territory including Notes on Dialectics and Ethnology,' in Box 1 Folder 4, is based on the Expedition (of which he was a member) tasked with assessing the resources of the New Guinea Territory.

Map 21 shows a proposed dam and surrounding infrastructure, relating to 'A Contribution to the Geology of New Guinea' in Box 1, Folder 2.

Map 22 is a detailed representation of the Ramu River and environs including villages, camps and mission station, with written descriptions of terrain and waterways, also relating to 'Report on The Salient Geological Features and Natural Resources of the New Guinea Territory including Notes on Dialectics and Ethnology' in Box 1, Folder 4.

View the catalogue record for the Selection of photographs from the Evan R. Stanley Collection, at https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1586009. View the catalogue record for the Evan R. Stanley collection of lantern slides of New Guinea, ca. 1920, at PIC Cold store C5/1/4 #PIC/8084/1-95. View the catalogue record for the Report of the Salient Geological Features and Natural Resources of the New Guinea Territory 1922, at mfm PMB 606.

Biographical / Historical

Evan Richard Stanley occupied the position of Government Geologist for the Territory of Papua from 9 January 1911 until his death on 27 December 1924, and was responsible for surveying much of Papua. He conducted geological investigations that resulted in more than 50 papers and reports and the first comprehensive accounts, in 1923 and 1924, of the geology and resources of both the New Guinea and Papua Territories. Stanley died suddenly in Adelaide on 27 December 1924 after a brief illness. No successor was appointed and geological survey work did not resume in Papua until after World War II when the administration of the Territories was merged. Evan Stanley is the grandfather of Professor Fiona Stanley. Further biographical information at https://nla.gov.au/nla.party-571409

Note: The career timeline was compiled from H.L. Davies' paper 'Evan Richard Stanley, 1885-1924: pioneer geologist in Papua New Guinea', reprinted from BMR Journal of Australian Geology and Geophysics, 10, 153-177, 1987; a copy of which is available in Papers of Evan R. Stanley, 1908-1986 MS 7933.

Career summary
DateEvent
3 May 1885 Born Adelaide, eldest of four sons of Robert Ernest Stanley and Elizabeth Ramage.
1902 Commenced studies (Bachelor of Science) at University of Adelaide and the School of Mines and Industries. Specialised in minerology and petrology under Douglas Mawson (later Sir Douglas Mawson).
1910Appointed first Government Geologist for the Australian Territory of Papua (formerly British New Guinea).
January 1911 Arrived Port Moresby. Explored and surveyed the topography of Yule Island and the Astrolabe mineral field. Report published in the Annual Report for the Territory of Papua 1910-11. Conducted first major geological expedition to Muyua / Woodlark Island; surveyed its gold mining areas; produced a report, geological maps and photographs. Valuable information gathered on the history and output of local mines.
April-May 1912 Reconnaissance of Papuan oil fields (oil having been discovered by local planters the previous year in the Vailala River area, Gulf Province). Explored area around Purari and Vailala Rivers, travelled up the Vailala, produced map of the 'Papuan petroleum area' and report for the Annual Report 1911-12. Suffered malarial attack. Later that year, discovered another oil seep near Aro Aro just west of the Vailala.
1913 Three months' leave in Australia. Presented a paper on the Papuan petroleum area to the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Melbourne. Married Helen Mary Benson Turner in Adelaide. Dispute with government department about his Woodlark Island report; charged with insubordination and threatened with dismissal. Stanley's proposal for a scientific journal series Bulletins of the Territory of Papua accepted, and begun in this year. Returned to Port Moresby in June.
1914 War declared August 1914. Stanley and others recruited to defend Australian facilities in case of attack from German New Guinea Territory. Stanley patrolled hilly areas above town. In September Australian troops arrived and captured Rabaul, headquarters of the German Territory, resulting in Australia administering the New Guinea Territory. Stanley continued with investigations into oil and copper on Normanby Island and Cape Vogel peninsula. Elected a Fellow of The Geological Society, London, in recognition of his geological work in Papua.
1915

Explored Misima Island and produced a report, including geological maps and photographs, published later that year as [Bulletin of the Territory of Papua no. 3. His findings were foundational for geological knowledge of Misima and also led to profitable gold mining there.

On leave in Australia. Presented a 'lantern lecture on certain features of Papua' to the Royal Society of South Australia, reported by The Australian Statesman and Mining Standard September 1915. Returned to Port Moresby and continued with investigations into Owen Stanley Range, producing topographic and geological map of the Papuan peninsula and identifying prospects for gold mining and rubber planting. Stanley's work contributed significant new knowledge to contemporary geology, and had important economic implications.
1916-1917Stanley's skill with topographic mapping led to a request from the Lieutenant-Governor for him to update maps of each administrative division in Papua. This involved recording the location of villages, tracks and drainage in these areas.
1918-1920Returned to Port Moresby with his family after leave in Australia. Produced reports on the geology of New Guinea and Papua, the importance of hydropower and the presence of minerals significant for the mining industry.
November 1920 Joined the Commonwealth Scientific Expedition to New Guinea. The aim was to assess the Territory's resources and possible wealth. Delays resulted in the expedition getting underway only in April 1921. Sailing from Rabaul aboard the Wattle, Stanley made geological observations on his trips inland as well as along the coast of New Britain, entering the Ramu River in July 1921. Stanley made the first geological descriptions of active volcanoes along New Britain's north coast; also synthesised his new data with older data from previous explorers and information obtained from prospectors and indigenous tribes; mapped the Ramu River and compiled a vocabulary of indigenous words.
July 1922Expedition reports tabled in Parliament. Included Stanley's recommendations to establish a Geological Bureau, Observatory to monitor seismic activity, Forestry Department, sanitoria and a School of Tropical medicine.
1923 From his work over the preceding years, Stanley had acquired a better understanding of the geology of New Guinea and Australia. He presented his ideas to the meeting of the AAAS in January, including several significant advances in knowledge about Papuan and New Guinea geology and vulcanology, and the geological links between Australia and Papua. Highlighted the potential for petroleum exploration in several regions. At the Pan-Pacific Science Congress in August-September, his papers on multiple topics (including Papuan geology and land connections between Australia and New Guinea in past geological epochs) were important contributions to contemporary knowledge, and very well-received; scientific and economic value of his findings in Papua acknowledged. This was a high point in Stanley's career as Government Geologist.
1923-1924 Worked on the topography and geology of the Astrolabe mining field. Contributed a chapter 'Practical hints to scientific travellers in New Guinea' (1925) for a book by Professor H.A. Brouwer of the Netherlands.

Item Descriptions

Northern Territory of Australia. Geological map of Marranboy Tinfield (Item 1) - Folder 1

Map of Maranboy. Legend lists geological periods, rock types, mining claims and leases, roads and tracks. Map shows natural features (creeks, cliffs). Topography is described in words. Map is in colour and has two large holes. On sheet 63 x 71 cm.

Aipa. IE Hills, Map 8, Scale of yards R. F. 1/5280, 1914 (Item 2) - Folder 1

Topographical map with contour intervals of 25 feet. Legend lists rock types (grit, sandstone, limestone), oil, gas, faults, camp, track and lookout. Natural features (coral knolls, swampy ground) noted in words. Map is in colour and has one small hole. On sheet 53 x 68 cm.

Statement of Responsibility

Drawn in the Department of External Affairs, Melbourne.

Eastern New Guinea and adjacent Islands, showing district boundaries, Scale 24 miles = 1 inch (Item 3) - Folder 1

Map shows territories held by colonial powers (British, Dutch, German) differentiated by colour. Rivers, mountain ranges and peaks are marked. Minor islands, straits and reefs shown. Grid lines and detailed drawing of compass included. Map is in colour, has holes and tears and is folded over. On sheet 113 x 100 cm (total area) or 113 x 78 cm (folded over).

Related Materials

More copies of this map are held in the general and formed map collections. View the catalogue record at https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/376232

Finschhafen District, after a sketch map of the Rev. Keysser (Item 4) - Folder 1

Sketch map of mission stations, camps and possible tracks. Rivers, peaks and spot heights shown. Some natural features (ravine, forest) noted. On sheet 45 x 30 cm.

Geological map of the Territory of Papua, 1914 (Item 5) - Folder 1

Map shows colour-coded rock types (volcanic, limestone, slate schists), oil, gas and raised coral reefs. Surrounding regions (part of Queensland, Torres Strait Islands and New Pomerania / formerly New Britain), grid lines and territorial boundaries (British, Dutch, German) marked. On sheet 88 x 53 cm.

Related Materials

More copies of this map are held in the general map collection. View the catalogue record at MAP G8161.C5 1914

Map relates to 'The Papuan Petroleum Area', published in the 1913 AAAS proceedings, in MS 7933, Folder 7, in which Stanley draws comparisons between the geology of New Guinea and its near Asian neighbours, and the inherent mineral resources they have in common.

Statement of Responsibility

Based on the maps of A. Gibb Maitland, J.E. Carne, E.R. Stanley and Dr. A. Wade. Topography corrected to date.

Geological map of the "Territory" of Papua, 1923 (Item 6-8) - Folder 1

3 copies. Map with grid lines shows geologic eras differentiated by colour. Legend lists eras and constituent rock types. Petroleum, gold, villages, government stations and territorial boundaries shown. Some natural features indicated (mountains, rivers, spot heights, sea depth). Item 7 has pencilled annotation on verso suggestive of a signature. Item 8 has the name 'FIONA' written in ink on verso, and is possibly in best condition of the three.On sheet 102 x 60 cm.

Related Materials

More copies of this map are held in the general collection. View the catalogue record at MAP G8161.C5 1923

Separated Materials

Maps show Misima in context with the rest of Papua and how it is related geologically to various land masses. They relate to MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 2: Articles for the Bulletin of the Territory of Papua (1915 and 1921), which centre on the geology of the island of Misima (St Aignan).

Statement of Responsibility

By Evan R. Stanley, F.G.S. Government Geologist. Including data from maps by A. Gibb Mailtand, J.E.Carne, Dr. A. Wade - Geologists of Anglo Persian Oil Coy. & Others. Geological boundaries provisional. Drawn in the Northern Territory Branch, Dept of Home and Territories, Melbourne. W.J.B.P. Delt. By Authority. A.J. Mullett. Govt Printer.

Haiari and Vaiviri, Map 6, Scale of yards R. F. 1/5280, 1914 (Item 9) - Folder 1

Sketch map showing geological information - different rock types (sandstone, mudstone, limestone) coded by colour. Oil, gas, faults and coal seam shown. Natural and built features indicated (creeks, village, garden, plantation, residence, landing). Map has hole and tears. On sheet 72 x 87 cm.

Related Materials

Map shows the location of oil, gas and other mineral resources, and tracks to Aro Aro village and the Vailala River, these last two identified as potentially significant oil-yielding areas by Stanley in his 'Notes' and in his publication in the 1913 Proceedings of the AAAS, in MS 7933, Folder 7.

Statement of Responsibility

Arthur Wade. Drawn in the Department of External Affairs, Melbourne.

Hebe Muru, Map 4, Scale of yards R. F. 1/5280, 1914 (Item 10) - Folder 1

Sketch map showing geological information - different rock types (sandstone, mudstone, limestone) coded by colour. Oil and gas shown. Relief indicated by 25-foot contours. Natural and built features shown (creeks, sago swamp, camp, tracks). On sheet 37 x 48 cm.

Related Materials

Maps 10 relates to Extracts from Papuan Annual Reports 1909-25: 'Report on the Geology of the Vailala Petroleum Area, Gulf Division, Papua,' 1912, in Folder 3.

Separated Materials

Map shows tracks to Parimamu and Aro Aro, identified by Stanley as potentially significant petroleum-yielding areas. This relates to MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 1 'Introduction.'

Statement of Responsibility

Arthur Wade. Drawn in the Department of External Affiars, Melbourne. Note in bottom left corner: E.B.

Kiri. Map 7, Scale of yards R.F. 1/5280, 1914 (Item 11) - Folder 1

Sketch map showing geological information - different rock types (sandstone, grit, mudstone, limestone) coded by colour; also occurences of oil and gas. Relief indicated by 25-foot contours. Natural and built features shown (creeks, crops, tracks, village, store). On sheet 51 x 40 cm.

Related Materials

Map shows Opa village in relation to Kiri; Opa identified by Stanley as having significant oil-bearing potential. Relates to 1912 Report in MS 7933, Folder 3.

Separated Materials

Map shows Opa village in relation to Kiri; Opa identified by Stanley as having significant oil-bearing potential. Relates to MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 1 'Introduction.'

Statement of Responsibility

Arthur Wade. Drawn in the Department of External Affairs, Melbourne.

Map of Papua showing mean annual rainfall at various stations (Item 12) - Folder 1

Map with grid lines shows rainfall figures for stations in Western, Delta, Gulf, Central, Northern, North Eastern, Eastern and South Eastern Divisions. Boundaries with Dutch New Guinea and Mandated Territory shown. On sheet 75 x 41 cm.

Separated Materials

Map complements Stanley's observations in his article 'A Contribution to the Geology of New Guinea' in the 1921 Bulletin of the Territory of Papua in MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 2. Stanley refers to the potential for water power in New Guinea through the harnessing of its rainfall which, combined with its high mountains and steep terrain, results in numerous large rivers.

Statement of Responsibility

Drawn at the Dept of Home & Territories N.T. Branch. W.J.B. Percival Delt. Melbourne.

Map of Parts of Delta Division and Gulf Division (Item 13) - Folder 1

Map with (limited) grid lines showing natural and built features - mountain ridges, peaks, rivers, vegetation; also villages, camps, observation spots. Good soil, swampy land, and river currents and widths indicated. No legend. Map has small holes. On sheet 50 x 57 cm.

Separated Materials

Map shows geographical features such as numerous peaks which are possibly the mud volcanoes referred to by Stanley in 'Notes on the Papuan Petroleum Area,' 1912, in MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 1. This map complements 'Notes' by showing the location of villages and tribes described by him, as well as camps and mission stations.

Map of Portion of Central Division Papua (Item 14) - Folder 1

Map with (limited) grid lines showing natural features - rivers, lakes, mountains, forests. Localities and towns/villages also shown. On sheet 21 x 35 cm.

New Guinea, Administered by the Commonwealth under Manadate from League of Nations, and Papua (Item 15) - Folder 1

Map with grid lines shows territories of New Guinea and Papua including disivions and territorial boundaries. Routes followed are shown. Map has stain. On sheet 71 x 45 cm.

Separated Materials

Map shows the route taken by the 1920-21 Commonwealth Scientific Expedition's ship, Wattle, along the Ramu and other rivers, and to locations such as New Britain. Stanley's 1922 'Report on The Salient Geological Features and Natural Resources of the New Guinea Territory including Notes on Dialectics and Ethnology,' in MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 4, is based on the Expedition (of which he was a member) tasked with assessing the resources of the New Guinea Territory.

Statement of Responsibility

Drawn by Home and Territories Dept. Melbourne. Routes shown.

Northern Division of Papua (Item 16) - Folder 1

Map with (limited) grid lines shows rivers, mountain ranges, towns/villages, plantation and tracks. On sheet 31 x 33 cm.

Pairi Heperi, Scale of yards R. F. 1/5280, 1914 (Item 17) - Folder 1

Sketch map showing rock types (sandstone, mudstone, limestone) differentiated by colour. Oil, gas and faults are marked; also fossil plants, flat country and camp. Relief shown by 25-foot contours. On sheet 52 x 64 cm.

Statement of Responsibility

Arthur Wade. Drawn in the Department of External Affairs, Melbourne. (Note in corner - F.B 5/15).

Parimamu, Map 3, Scale of yards R. F. 1/5280, 1914 (Item 18) - Folder 1

Sketch map showing rock types (sandstone, mudstone, limestone) differentiated by colour. Oil, gas and faults are marked; also fossils, camp and tracks. Relief shown by 25-foot contours. On sheet 37 x 54 cm.

Statement of Responsibility

Arthur Wade. Drawn in the Department of External Affairs, Melbourne. (Note in corner - F.B. 5/15).

Port Moresby, Scale 1 inch = 1 mile (Item 19-20) - Folder 1

2 copies. Map has grid lines and shows natural features and various infrastructure. No legend. Small area of map is obscured. Map is a reproduction of original. Identical copies held (items 19 and 20) - Item 20 digitised to represent the two. On sheet 62 x 62 cm.

Sirinumu Dam storage area, Scale 40 chains to an inch (Item 21) - Folder 1

Sketch map with area cross-hatched in blue (storage area?). River, proposed dam, towns/villages, roads and estates shown. Calculations annotated in pencil on verso. Parts of map are faded. There are stains and punch-holes. On sheet 43 x 61 cm.

Separated Materials

Map shows a proposed dam and surrounding infrastructure, relating to 'A Contribution to the Geology of New Guinea' in MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 2.

Upper Ramu, June 1924 (Item 22) - Folder 1

Map with grid lines showing geographical positions and heights of villages, camp and mission. Natural features indicated - vegetation, hills, flood plain. On sheet 45 x 38 cm.

Related Materials

An annotated copy of this map is held in the State Library of New South Wales at M2 921.72/1924/1.

Separated Materials

Map is a detailed representation of the Ramu River and environs including villages, camps and mission station, with written descriptions of terrain and waterways, also relating to 'Report on The Salient Geological Features and Natural Resources of the New Guinea Territory including Notes on Dialectics and Ethnology' in MS 9713, Box 1, Folder 4.

Statement of Responsibility

(Sgd.) C. E. Lane Poole


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