Proceedings of conferences

Proceedings of the 1st-4th Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony Conferences. The conferences were instituted in 1956, after 3 conferences of magistrates had taken place in 1951, 1952, and 1954, showing an increasing need for opportunities for the people of the Islands to express their opinions about government policy. Magistrates from the Ellice and Phoenix Islands were invited to attend along with representatives nominated by Island councils in various groups of Islands, and representatives of the 3 principal missions in the colony, and observers from among the colony government senior local staff. The conferences had the function of "advising the Government on all matters laid before it (such matters being particularly concerned with native affairs) and of laying before Government any matters of importance upon which the people of the Colony desire Government to take cognisance and/or action." The proceedings include transcripts of speeches, notes on ceremonies performed, and minutes of meetings. PMB Doc; 26. 1 microfilm reel.