Guide to the papers of Sir Arthur Gordon (as filmed by the AJCP)
M1628 - M1637
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Created: 2019
Collection Summary
- Creator
- Gordon, Arthur Charles Hamilton, Sir, 1st Baron Stanmore, 1829-1912
- Title
- Papers of Sir Arthur Gordon (as filmed by the AJCP)
- Date Range
- 1855 - 1912
- Collection Number
- M1628 - M1637
- Extent
- 79 items
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Australian Joint Copying Project
- Sponsor
- The Australian Joint Copying Project (AJCP) online portal was created with the assistance of the Australian Public Service Modernisation Fund, 2017-2020. The National Library of Australia gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the other foundation AJCP partners, the State Library of New South Wales and The National Archives of the UK, and all other organisations which supported the work of the AJCP, the world's most extensive collaborative copying project, operating from 1948 to 1997.
Introduction
Scope and Contents
Correspondence, letter-books and papers mostly dating from the period 1875-1882. They deal with: Gordon's governorships; the establishment of British rule in Fiji; legislation; land claims; the Pacific labour trade; missionaries; French ambitions in the Pacific; Samoan and Tongan affairs; military and naval defence; establishment of Western Pacific High Commission; New Zealand politics; Maori affairs; German and Queensland annexations in New Guinea; Australasian Federal Council; and church affairs. Correspondents include Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Sir Robert Herbert, Sir William Des Voeux, Sir John Thurston, Bishop J.R. Selwyn, D. Wilkinson, Sir William MacGregor, J. Gorrie, W. Carew, L. Fison and G.W. Rusden.
Correspondence 1875-1882 of Lady Gordon with her family in England.
Conditions Governing Access
Available for Access.
Conditions Governing Use
Readers wishing to publish or reproduce documents should seek permission, in the first instance, from the British Library. For more information visit: How I use the images I order?-The British Library [https://www.bl.uk/help/how-can-i-use-the-images-i-order].
Preferred Citation
Acknowledgement of use of this material should refer to the location of the original material and to the Australian Joint Copying Project.
Items from this collection should include references to the location of the original material and to the AJCP nla.obj number, which serves as the online identifier for the digital copy.
Example: M Series: Journal of Capt. James Cook, 18 February 1770, British Library Add. MS 27885 (AJCP ref: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1234)
Archival History
Material selectively filmed at the British Library, London, as part of the Australian Joint Copying Project, 1984 (AJCP Reels: M1628-M1637). Original microfilm digitised as part of the AJCP Online Delivery Project, 2017-2020.
Existence and Location of Originals
British Library, 96 Euston Road, London.
Collection reference: Add MSS 49199-49285.
For further information see Sir Arthur Gordon at the British Library. [http://hviewer.bl.uk/IamsHViewer/Default.aspx?mdark=ark:/81055/vdc_100000000037.0x0002e7]
Existence and Location of Copies
The original AJCP microfilm of the records filmed from this collection is available at the National Library of Australia [https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn742969] as well as other institutions holding AJCP microfilm.
Finding-aid Notes
This finding aid is a revised online version of the original finding aid prepared by the Australian Joint Copying Project (AJCP), published by the National Library of Australia in 2018. The original AJCP finding aids were unpublished typescripts or photocopies available from libraries that held copies of the original microfilm.
Dates used in this finding aid refer to the date range of the records selected for filming rather than to the date range of the Series or Files.
Subjects
Anglican Church; Carew, W.; Des Voeux, Sir William; Federal Council of Australasia; Fiji; Fison, Lorimer, Rev.; French in the Pacific; Germans in the Pacific; Gordon, Sir Arthur, 1st Baron Stanmore; Gordon, Sophia, Lady; Gorrie, J.; Govenors and Governors General: New Zealand; Governors and Governors General: Fiji; Herbert, Sir Robert G.W.; Hicks Beach, Sir Michael, 1st Earl of St Aldwyn; Land: Fiji; Macgregor, Sir William; Maori; Missions and missionaries: Pacific Islands; New Zealand: politics and government; Pacific labour trade; Papua New Guinea: annexation; Rusden, George W.; Samoa; Selwyn, John R., Bishop; Thurston, Sir John B.; Tonga; Western Pacific High Commission; Wilkinson, D.
Bibliography
Originally cited in Australian Joint Copying Project Handbook. Part 8: Miscellaneous (M) Series. Third Edition, published 1998. Entry 192, p71. [http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-397322928]
Biographical / Historical
Sir Arthur Charles Hamilton Gordon (1829-1912), 1st Baron Stanmore (created 1893). Son of 4th Earl of Aberdeen, Prime Minister in 1852-1855. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. Liberal M.P. 1854-1857. Private Secretary to W.E. Gladstone 1858-1859. Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick 1861-1866, Governor of Trinidad 1866-1870, Governor of Mauritius 1870-1874, first Governor of Fiji 1875-80, first High Commissioner of Western Pacific 1877-1882, Governor of New Zealand 1880-82, Governor of Ceylon 1883-1890.
Item Descriptions
Series Add MSS 49199-49285. Stanmore Papers, 1855 - 1912
30 items
Subseries Add MS 49199. Correspondence on official subjects (258ff.), 1867 - 1878
Papers on annexation of Fiji, appointment as Governor, selection of staff, powers of High Commissioner for Western Pacific, 1875 Pacific Islanders Protection Bill, impressions of Fiji, Gordon's interest in transfer to another colony, problems arising from publication of despatches, establishment of capital at Suva, ordinance on employment of immigrants in Fiji, honours, land disputes, New Guinea scheme of Australasian Colonization Company, Indian emigration to Fiji, Western Pacific Order in Council, and policy of Government on Samoa. Correspondents include Lord Carnarvon, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Sir Robert Herbert and R. Meade.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1628.
Subseries Add MS 49200. Correspondence on official subjects (304ff.), 1878
Papers on relations with United States and Germany concerning Samoa, Indian migration to Fiji, Australian proposals for annexation of New Guinea, Pacific labour trade, accounts of High Commission for Western Pacific, independence of New Hebrides, publication of Polynesian dictionary, Fijian finances, changes in Legislative Council, negotiation of treaties with Samoa and Tonga, appeals from Supreme Council of Fiji, land claims, Torres Strait pearl fisheries, seizure of Iserbrook, appointments, withdrawal of detachment of Royal Engineers, and preservation of law and order in New Guinea. Correspondents include Gordon, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Sir Robert Herbert, J. Bramston and E. Wingfield.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1628.
Subseries Add MS 49201. Correspondence on official subjects (318ff.), 1879 - 1883
Papers on establishment of consulates, relations with King of Tonga, negotiations with chiefs of Rotumah, Fijian finances, relations with naval authorities in Pacific, appointment as Governor of New Zealand, retention of control of land questions and native affairs in Fiji, appointment of Sir William Des Voeux as Governor of Fiji, native disturbances in New Zealand, honours, 1881 expedition against Parihara, resignation of J. Hall as Premier, Gordon's dislike of responsible government, Pacific labour trade, protection of Maori lands, accounts of High Commission for Western Pacific, proposals for annexation of New Guinea. Correspondents include Lord Carnarvon, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Lord Kimberley, Lord Derby, Sir Robert Herbert, R. Meade and J. Bramston.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1628.
Subseries Add MS 49203. Letters from Sir William MacGregor (326ff.), 1879 - 1912
Letters written from Fiji (ff.1-165), New Guinea (ff.166-267), Lagos (ff.268-273), St. John's, Newfoundland (ff.274-301) and Brisbane (ff.302-326). They deal with affairs of Fiji, difficulties of High Commission for Western Pacific, Sir William Des Voex, Sir John Thurston, affairs of D. Wilkinson, Gordon's work in Ceylon, Federal Council of Australasia, appointment in New Guinea, travels in New Guinea, relations with Queensland, missionaries, Sir Henry Norman, Australian federation, books, land regulations, Reverend W.G. Lawes, Anglo-Australian relations, British politics, Lord Dudley, possible abolition of State Governors, Australian Labour Party and New Guinea, Queensland University, Queensland politics and Lord Denman.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1629.
Subseries Add MS 49204. Letters of Sir John Thurston (214ff.), 1875 - 1890
Letters concerning Fijian mail contract, criticism of Thurston by Colonial Office, proposals for annexation of Samoa, land sales, relations with chiefs, W. MacGregor, W. Des Voeux, annexation of Rotumah, finances, native policy, Wesleyan missionaries, Gordon's troubles in New Zealand, 1881 hurricane, activities of Fijian Legislative Council, Reverend S. Baker and Tongan Mission, petition seeking self-government, judgements of Sir Henry Wrenfordsley, Sir Charles Mitchell and attempted murder of S. Baker in 1887.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1629.
Subseries Add MS 49205. Letters of Fijian officials (217ff.), 1875 - 1887
Correspondence with Sir William Des Voeux, 1880-1883 (ff.8-24), J. Gorrie 1875-1887 (ff.25-79), W. Carew, 1875-1876 (ff.80-109) and D. Wilkinson, 1875-1887 (ff.110-217).
Subjects include use of native labourers, appointment of J. Gorrie as Chief Justice in 1875, legal cases, Gordon's work in New Zealand, J.B. Thurston, Sir William Des Voeux, Pacific labour trade, tours by Carew in Fiji, 1876 disturbances, affairs in Tonga, estate matters, and administration of native affairs.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1630.
Subseries Add MS 49206. Correspondence concerning New Zealand, 1880 - 1885
Papers, including records of conversations, concerning changes in Government, disqualification of H. Taiarora from sitting in Legislative Council in 1880, appointment of J. Bryce as Minister of Native Affairs in October. 1881, possible establishment of French protectorate over Hervey Group, constitutional relations between Governor and Ministry, travels of J. Hall in New Plymouth district, publication of cable to Lord Kimberley in Lyttelton Times, opening of 1882 Parliament, resignation of Hall Ministry in April 1882, reform of Legislative Council, formation of new Ministry, criticisms by Whitaker Government in 1883 of papers on native affairs and imprisonment of Maoris, and complaints of Sir James Prendergast about Gordon's criticisms of his actions in 1881. Correspondents include J. Hall, H. Taiaora, F. Whitaker, Sir William Jervois, Sir James Prendergast and F. Murray.
Filmed selectively. (1-228ff.)
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1630.
Subseries Add MS 49209. Special Correspondents, 29 May 1873 - 27 January 1882
9 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1631.
Gordon (Wellington) to W.E. Gladstone, 27 January 1882 (File ff.21-23)
Administration of Jamaica; racial divisions. (incomplete).
Agnes Wickham to Gordon, 30 December 1875 (File ff.69-70)
Requests help for W. Lyttelton returning to Fiji.
Lord Salisbury to Gordon, 13 June 1879 (File ff.84-87)
Need to increase British power at Tonga and prevent German annexation.
Lord Salisbury to Gordon, 17 June 1879 (File ff.88-90)
Meeting with German Minister about Tonga; Pacific large enough for both Britain and Germany.
Subseries Add MS 49216. Correspondence with Bishop A. Barry, 12 September 1878 - 21 April 1884
7 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1631.
A. Barry to Gordon, 2 November 1882 (File ff.173-174)
Gordon's return to England; Sydney business has shaped itself oddly.
A. Barry to Gordon, 6 December 1882 (File ff.175-176)
Refers to nomination as Bishop by Sydney Synod.
A. Barry to Gordon, 10 January 1883 (File ff.177-179)
Urgings of archbishops and bishops to accept Sydney appointment; letter from Bishop J. Moorhouse.
A. Barry to Gordon, 27 January 1883 (File ff.181-182)
Difficulty of decision; Sydney appears to be his vocation.
Subseries Add MS 49217. Correspondence with Lord Selborne (260ff.), 1855 - 1878
Correspondence concerning inter alia offer of Governorship of South Australia in 1873, differences between governing crown colony and constitutional colony, appointment as Governor of Fiji, Lord Carnarvon, enjoyment of work in Fiji, finances, conflict with mountain tribes, criticisms of Blue Book on Fiji, Privy Council, judgments on Church question, Eastern question, powers of High Commissioner for Western Pacific, Colonial Office views on native rights, danger of native war, return to England in 1878, British politics, and suggestion by W.E. Gladstone that Gordon re-enter Parliament.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1631.
Subseries Add MS 49218. Correspondence with Lord Selborne (235ff.), 1879 - 1884
Letters written from Fiji, New Zealand, Ascot and Ceylon concerning Fijian legislation, British politics, Gordon's future career, possible appointment as an Australian Governor, appointment as Governor of New Zealand, failings of W. Des Voeux, supervision of native affairs in Fiji, relations with Des Voeux, duties and impotence of Governor in New Zealand, dangers of native war, books, recollections of Lord Aberdeen's administration, relations between High Commissioner for Western Pacific and Commodore, interest in Governorship of Madras, visit to Fiji in 1881, reasons for declining Governorship of Jamaica, effect of telegraph in distorting news from New Zealand, quarantine in Sydney in September 1882, affairs of Tonga, final visit to Fiji, appointment as Governor of Ceylon, annexation of New Guinea by Queensland, Fijian land claims, and work in Ceylon. Includes copies of letters to W.E. Gladstone, Lord Kimberley and Sir Robert Herbert and copies of letters of W. Des Voeux and J.B. Thurston.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1631.
Subseries Add MS 49219. Correspondence with Lord Selborne, 5 January 1885 - July 1886
3 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1631.
Gordon to Lord Selborne, 5 January 1885 (File ff.1-4)
W.E. Gladstone; visit of General. P. Scratchley; German annexation of north-east New Guinea; Scratchley's financial dependence on Australian colonies; immorality of making over millions of New Guinea to tender mercies of Australian mob.
Gordon to Lord Selborne, February 1885 - March 1885 (File ff.8-28)
American, Australian and German land claims in Fiji; reference by Bismarck to proclamation of Sir Hercules Robinson; New Guinea Council of Advice; Egyptian debate; possibility of war with Russia; detention of Arabi and other Egyptian exiles in Ceylon. (3 letters).
Gordon to Lord Selborne, April 1886 - July 1886 (File ff.72-112)
Remarks by Sir Henry James on Gordon's conduct concerning libel published by G.W. Rusden; background to Bryce-Rusden case; possibility of J. Bryce bringing action against Gordon; despair at triumph of wrong in New Guinea, New Zealand and Fiji; death of L. Tennyson; appointment of C. Mitchell as Governor of Fiji; relations with G.W. Rusden; Irish Home Rule; W.E. Gladstone; Church Disestablishment; hopes for peerage; weak support of Colonial Office for Gordon's system in Fiji; transfer of New Guinea to Queensland control; publication of memoir of Sir Peter Scratchley. (9 letters)
Subseries Add MS 49221. Correspondence with Sophia Palmer, 13 August 1881
1 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1632.
Subseries Add MS 49224. Correspondence with Shaw-Lefevre Family, 20 November 1872 - 11 July 1881
14 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1632.
Sir John Shaw-Lefevre to Gordon, 20 November 1872 (File ff.234-235)
Offer of Governorship of South Australia; advantages of climate and prosperous community; Parliament might be no more frustrating than partially elected council or jealous subordinates.
Sir John Shaw-Lefevre to Gordon, 20 August 1877 (File ff.243-244)
Visit of A. Maudsley; non-employment of military by Gordon; British politics.
Gordon (Nasova) to Sir John Shaw-Lefevre, 29 April 1878 (File ff.247-248)
Plans for return to England.
Gordon (Nasova) to Lady Shaw-Lefevre, 2 October 1880 (File ff.258-259)
Appointment to New Zealand, children.
A. Gunther (British Museum) to Mary Shaw-Lefevre, 11 June 1877 (File ff.281-282)
Thanks for Fiji paper; sea-serpent; death of tortoise from Corf Island.
Subseries Add MS 49225. Correspondence with Lady Gordon (338ff.), 1868 - 1882
Correspondence concerning visit of Lady Gordon to New Zealand in 1877; voyage across Pacific in 1879; Samoan treaties; family news; hopes of uniting Fijian post with Australian governorship; visit to Rotumah; plans for family to join Gordon; arrival in New Zealand in 1880; W. Des. Voeux; impressions of Wellington; servants; uncertainty of degree of control over Fiji; dreary social events; ugly scenery of North Island; Government House; dislike of New Zealand climate; F. Murray; visit to Fiji in 1881; Sir George Grey; visit to Fiji and Tonga in 1882; S. Baker; W. MacGregor; J.B. Thurston; furture plans; visit to Sydney in September 1882.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1632.
Subseries Add MS 49228. Part 2 Correspondence of Lady Gordon and Lady Ryan, 1875 - 1876
1 itemFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1633.
Letters of Lady Gordon to Lady Ryan, 1875 - 1876 (File ff.403-637)
The letters refer to the voyage to Australia, Sir Hercules Robinson, Lady Robinson, social activities in Sydney, sightseeing, arrival of Gordon in Fiji, death of Commodore J. Goodenough, arrival in Fiji in September 1875, residence, servants, dinners with chiefs, Gordon's staff, daily routine, Fijian Royal Family, food, travels, heat, finances, Sir William and Lady Hackett, A. Maudsley, epedemics, visit to Suva, communications with Australia and New Zealand, plans for visiting New Zealand, family news, Corry Gordon.
Subseries Add MS 49229. Part 1 Correspondence of Lady Gordon and Lady Ryan (251ff.), 1877 - 1882
Letters written by Lady Gordon in Fiji, Melbourne and New Zealand referring to visit to New Zealand in 1877, Sir George Grey, 'Auckland the stupidest place I ever was in', Mrs J.R. Selwyn, changes in staff, Lady Nicolson, Capt. Knollys, children, social activities, J.B. Thurston, plans for return to England, Government House in Wellington, daily routine, impressions of Wellington, humiliating position of Governor, English news, G.W. Rusden 'a clever man but odious', Maori land disputes in Taranaki, offer of Governorship of Jamaica, visit to Christchurch, Christchurch Cathedral, opening of 1882 Great Exhibition, arrangements for return to England, Gordon's visits to Fiji and relations with Sir James Prendergast.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1634.
Subseries Add MS 49229. Part 2 Correspondence of Lady Gordon and Lady Ryan, 31 August 1882 - 9 September 1882
2 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1634.
Subseries Add MS 49230. Correspondence of Lady Gordon with her family, 1876 - 1882
2 itemsWritten in Fiji and New Zealand, the letters refer to family news, W. Des Voeux, Gordon's plans, restricted role of Governor in New Zealand, servants, plans for return to England in 1878, social life, Government House at Fiji, horses, move to Suva, books, Gordon's travels in Fiji, 1876 war, officials, A. Maudsley, Fijian curios, visit to Christchurch in 1882.
Filmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1634.
Subseries Add MS 49231. Correspondence of Lady Gordon with her family, 1876 - 1882
3 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1635.
Subseries Add MS 49232. Correspondence of Lady Gordon with her family, 1875 - 1882
2 itemsWritten in Fiji, New Zealand and Sydney, the letters refer to first impressions of Suva, children, staff, J.B. Thurston, cannibalism, food, Baron von Hugel, social gatherings with wives of chiefs, poor communications in Fiji, travels, race relations, visit to New Zealand in 1877, impressions of Auckland, Sir George Grey, Fijian upper classes, visit of Samoan chiefs, visit to Christchurch in 1882, plans for return to England, and quarantine at Sydney.
Filmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1635.
Subseries Add MS 49236. General Correspondence, 1871 - 1876
Correspondence concerning inter alia legislation on the administration of justice in Fiji (1874), appointment of Gordon as Governor, botanical collection, Pacific labour trade, death of Commodore J. Goodenough, Samoan constitution, affairs at Seychelles, Gordon's Knighthood, and offer of Governorship of South Australia.
Correspondents include: Sir Joseph Hooker, J. Goodenough, E. Layard, G. Barrow, W. Carew and E. Cardwell.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1636.
Subseries Add MS 49237. General Correspondence (263ff.), 1876 - 1878
Correspondence concerning military matters, Pacific labour trade, missions, Gordon's relations with Fijians and European settlers, disturbances in highlands, affairs of Seychelles, labour troubles of planters, interest in Fiji of Aborigines Protection Society, possible annexation of Samoa, French ambitions in New Hebrides, Victorian politics, affairs of New Caledonia, appointment of Deputy High Commissioner for Western Pacific, interest of Australian Colonization Committee in New Guinea, Colonial Office regulations on naval visits, appointment of Sir George Bowen as Governor of Mauritius, and return of Gordon to England in 1878.
Correspondents include G. Le Hunte, W. Carew, A. Maudsley, Reverend L. Fison, J.B.M. Stewart, G. Turner, Baron D'Este, Lord Granville, Bishop J.R. Selwyn, E. Thornton (Washington), Lord Derby, Reverend S. Baker (Tonga), Sir George Bowen (Melbourne), E. Layard (Noumea), Lord Carnarvon, R. Swanston, F. Weld (Hobart), Sir Hercules Robinson (Sydney), A. Kingslake, J. Lowther, J. Bryce and F. Langham.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1636.
Subseries Add MS 49238. General Correspondence (280ff.), 1879 - 1880
Correspondence concerning affairs of Samoa and Tonga, Fijian civil service, German interests in Pacific, French ambitions in New Hebrides, paper by Gordon on taxation in Fiji, affairs of Seychelles, possible appointment of Gordon as Governor of N.S.W., proposed Land and Credit Company, inquiry by Wesleyan Mission into affairs at Tonga, Gordon's arrival in New Zealand, and Polynesian labour in Hawaii.
Correspondents include Bishop J.R. Selwyn (Noumea), R. Swanston (Apia), Lord Odo Russell (Berlin), T. Martin, G.A. Turner (Apia), G. Barrow, Reverend G. Smith, R. Bakewell (Sydney), W. Seed, Reverend F. Langham, Reverend F.E. Lawes (Sydney), L. Fison, R. Wilberforce, G.W. Rusden, H. Symonds (Tonga) and J. Wodehouse (Honolulu).
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1636.
Subseries Add MS 49239. General Correspondence (258ff.), 1881 - 1883
Correspondence concerning affairs at Tonga, Melanesian Mission, resolutions of 1881 Intercolonial Conference on High Commissionership, native land purchases in New Zealand, activities of Reverend S. Baker and Wesleyan Missionary Society, French interests in Rarotonga, protection of New Guinea natives from European adventurers, Isabella massacre, establishment of Naval Reserve at Suva, labour trade at New Hebrides, Fijian affairs, New Zealand politics, visit of HMS Espiegle to New Hebrides, Gordon's quarantine at Sydney in 1882, jurisdiction of N.S.W. Supreme Court over acts committed on high seas, seizure of British plantation at Samoa, annexation of New Guinea by Queensland, and German land claims in Fiji.
Correspondents include H. Symonds (Tonga), G.W. Rusden (Melbourne); Bishop J.R. Selwyn, L. Fison (Bav), R. Bakewell, F. Murray (Wellington), W. Blunt and Reverend B. Chapman.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reels M1636-M1637.
Subseries Add MS 49240. General Correspondence, 2 April 1884
1 itemFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1637.
Subseries Add MS 49241. General Correspondence, 9 February 1887 - 11 October 1887
10 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1637.
Draft instructions on investigation of affairs of Bua estates in Fiji and management of E. Wilkinson (File ff.41-46)
C. Mitchell (Fiji) to Gordon, 9 February 1887 (File ff.105-107)
Departure of G. Le Hunte; travels in Fiji; inadequate revenue; J.B. Thurston and other officials.
G. Smith (Levuka) to Gordon, 24 May 1887 (File ff.171-178)
Sends reports on Bua estates; rubber, coffee.
Subseries Add MS 49242. General Correspondence, 1 November 1889 - 24 June 1912
8 itemsFilmed selectively.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1637.
Leefe (Tonga) to Gordon, 1 November 1889 (File ff.45-49)
Change in Leefe's views on Gordon's taxation scheme in Fiji; strength of chiefs in Fiji compared with chiefs in Tonga; decline of Tongan society under rule of dishonest missionary.
F.A. Jackson (Fiji) to Stanmore, 1 December 1895 (File ff.144-56)
Change in Jackson's views on native tax policy; attacks on policy by J.F. Hogan and W. Fillingham Parr.
Stanmore. Draft notes or speech on memorandum of Sir Henry Jackson on native taxation in Fiji, n.d. (File ff.205-11)
Subseries Add MS 49245. Letterbook (144ff.), February 1880 - October 1880
Letters by Gordon concerning Wesleyan Mission and Reverend S. Baker, removal of R. Swanston from Apia, Gordon's plans for future career, his fears of effects of his departure from Fiji, declaration on Fijian land tenure, toleration of native customs in Rotumah, ratification of treaty with Tonga, resignation of Attorney-General, appointment as Governor of New Zealand, and retention of supervision of Fijian native affairs.
Recipients include Reverend F. Langham, Reverend B. Chapman, L. Fison, R. Swanston, Sir George Grey, Lord Kimberley, F.P. Murray, Lord Granville and Lord Selborne.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1637.
Subseries Add MS 49246. Letterbook (75ff.), November 1880 - December 1882
Letters by Gordon concerning his appointment as Governor of New Zealand, confusion about his powers in Fiji, his relations with W. Des Voeux, treaty with Tonga, unhappiness in New Zealand, offer of Governorship of Jamaica, failure of New Zealand Government to consult Governor, resignation of Hall Government, Gordon's account of Maori arrests, and relations between W. Des Voeux and Sir John Gorrie.
Recipients include Sir George Grey, W. Des Voeux, J. Hall, Lord Selborne, Lord Kimberley, W.E. Gladstone, F. Whitaker, H. Symonds and Sir Robert Herbert.
Archival History
Originally filmed on AJCP Reel M1637.