We have just acquired these and I thought that I would share them with you
A remarkable group of postcards and original photographs put together by Walter Sawell, an employee of the Pacific Phosphate company, who was based on Ocean Island (today Banaba Island in Kiribati) from 1906-1909. The collection depicts local Banabans, including a wonderful portrait of the Queen and her retinue, members of the Pacific Phosphate Company, Concert poster cards, phosphate mining with the railway used for moving rock, and views of the island as it was then. Some faults of course, but a fascinating insight into early commercial exploitation of the Pacific Islanders.
This photographic archive has only recently been discovered in the attic of an old house in Exeter where they had lain hidden for 100 years!
To view the images full size, just click on the thumbnails. The watermark "Property of Scotia Philately" is of course not on the original images.
Comment Wall (1 comment)
You need to be a member of Banaban Voice to add comments!
Join Banaban Voice
Very interesting collection and unique especially to our Banaban comunity. I just want to say 'Ko bati n rabwa' thank you very much for posting these rare collection which is part of our history. I hope more people will contribute to this site in regard to Banaba history just as you have done.
Anyway, welcome aboard Banaban Voice.
Cheers,
ken.