Archives of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for the Western Pacific, Vavau., 1910-1918

On the death of R.M. Fletcher, the Deputy Commissioner and Vice-Consul, Vavau, in March, 1918, the archives of his office were forwarded for safe-keeping to the Agent and Consul at Nuku'alofa by the Reverend A.M. Sanders of Vavau. In acknowledging receipt of these records the Agent and Consul mentioned that he proposed to transfer them to Fletcher's successor as soon as one had been appointed. In April, 1918, T.G. Rudling, the Sub-Collector of Customs at Vavau, was appointed Registrar of H.B.M's Court, Vavau, to act in that capacity until such time as an incumbent could be found for the post of Deputy Commissioner and Vice-Consul. Certain of the records accumulated by Fletcher were no doubt sent to Rudling after his appointment as Registrar, but the items described above appear to have been overlooked or for some reason withheld from transfer. (Ref. despatch No. 34 dated 22 March, 1918, Agent and Consul to High Commissioner; despatch No. 55 dated 3 April, 1918, High Commissioner to Agent and Consul. Letter No. 323 dated 5 July, 1918, Agent and Consul to the Rev. A.M. Sanders).