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 116 Collections and/or Records:
Western Pacific High Commission land claim records
I. Land Claims Registers. 1886 – 1936. II. Copies of registered Land Claims. 1886 – 1907. III. Prints relating to Land Claims.
These records form part of the Western Pacific Archives (MSS & Archives 2003/1).
Western Pacific High Commission miscellaneous records
Western Pacific High Commission naval intelligence files, secret and confidential
Western Pacific High Commission original contracts and documents
Western Pacific High Commission printed papers
I. Printed Estimates. 1915–1919. II. Printed papers relating to the New Hebrides. 1880–1940. III. Printed papers and typescript copies of documents relating to the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. 1880–1942. IV. Printed papers relating to Tonga. 1887–1918. V. Printed papers and typescript copies of documents relating to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. 1875–1967. VI. Various printed papers relating to the Western Pacific, including copies of legislation. 1886–1960.
Western Pacific High Commission records relating to civil aviation, marine and naval affairs
I. Papers relating to Civil Aviation in the South Pacific. 1946–1969. II. Records relating mainly to Marine and Naval Affairs. 1879–1956. III. Records relating mainly to administrative matters. 1901–1969. These records form part of the Western Pacific Archives (MSS & Archives 2003/1).
Western Pacific High Commission records relating to Samoan affairs
Records including corresondence, despatches, publications and proclomations relating to British affairs in Samoa.
Western Pacific High Commission registers of correspondence, despatches and telegrams
Western Pacific High Commission, Residual Office, Suva, general correspondence
I. General correspondence files of the Residual Office - Suva. 1952–1953. II. Income Tax Return files of the staff of the Secretariat - Suva for the year ending 31st December 1949.
Western Pacific High Commission secret and confidential correspondence, 1-100 and 100-200 series, registers and indexes
Secret and Confidential Registry I. Registers. 1939–41 & 1952–53. II. Schedules of Mails. 1939–51. III. Card indexes to classified correspondence of 1–100 series, 1942–1954, & 100–200 series 1954 – 1959.