Central Archives of Fiji and the Western Pacific High Commission
Biography
The Central Archives of Fiji and the Western Pacific were created in 1952 when the roles of Governor of Fiji and Western Pacific High Commissioner (WPHC) were separated and the office of the WPHC relocated to Honiara, Solomon Islands. As part of this restructure the pre 1920 records of the WPHC were transferred to the Central Archives rather than being moved to Honiara. Over time surviving non-current records from the New Hebrides British Service (NHBS), the British Solomon Islands Protectorate (BSIP), the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony (GEIC), the British Agent and Consul to Tonga (BCT) and Pitcairn (PIT) were also transferred to the Central Archives.
In addition to housing, preserving and listing the records the Central Archives offered a reference service to the colonial administration and Pacific scholars.
When Fiji became independent in 1970 records relating to Fiji were transferred to the new Fiji National Archives, and the remaining collections renamed the Western Pacific Archives (WPA). With the disestablishment of the WPHC in 1978 the WPA also closed.
Found in 10 Collections and/or Records:
British Agent and Consul, Tonga, records
Collection contains records created and maintained by the British Consulate in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, including completed passport applications and certificates of identity, Special and Advance Warrants, papers relating to estates administered by HBM Consul in Tonga Miscellaneous, drawings and plans and other miscellaneous records.
High Commissioner and Consul General for the Western Pacific papers relating to Tongan Affairs
Collection contains the HBM High Commissioner and Consul-General for the Western Pacific's copies of deeds, despatches, correspondence and other papers relating to Tongan affairs.
High Commissioner's Court for the Western Pacific, New Hebrides, records
Collection includes court minute and evidence, handwritten notes and files relating to court cases, indexes and registers, copies of court orders rules and regulations, cash books and other papers.
Western Pacific High Commission inwards correspondence, MP series, registers and indexes
New Hebrides British Service, Bertram Ballard papers relating to the revision of the British Laws of the New Hebrides.
New Hebrides British Service, Office of the British District Agent Tanna, Southern District, records
Collection contains general correspondence files, court records, regulation and circulars.
New Hebrides British Service Office of the Resident Commissioner general correspondence, 1943-1953
Collection contains registers and indexes of general correspondencc and general correspondence files covering the period 1943 – 1953.
The general correspondence files may include letters received, replies, related papers and publications along with comments, annotations, and instructions by administrators.
New Hebrides British Service, Office of the Resident Commissioner, general correspondence, 1953-1961
Collection contains registers and indexes of general correspondencc and general correspondence files created between 1953 and 1961. As earlier files which were still in use were incorporated into this correspondence run the contents of the files cover a much longer date period.
The general correspondence files may include letters received, replies, related papers and publications along with comments, annotations, and instructions by administrators.
Western Pacific High Commission inwards correspondence files, MP series, 1899
Western Pacific High Commission records relating to Samoan affairs
Records including corresondence, despatches, publications and proclomations relating to British affairs in Samoa.