Early Tahiti

Century-old Documents Go To Sydney Library

ABOUT two years ago, Mr. Eric Rams den (whose valuable work in pre serving the fast-disappearing history of Polynesia is now receiving tardy recog nition) was in Tahiti; and, in seeking certain records at the British Consulate there, he came upon a great mass of documents, about a century old, dirty ar*d stained and riddled by insects.

Mr. Ramsden had a look at the papers, recognised their great historical value, and reported his discovery to the Mitchell Library, Sydney. The Mitchell librarian, Miss Ida Leeson, was sent to Papeete: she confirmed the importance of the discovery; and negotiations were opened with the British Foreign Office, extending over 18 months.

It was announced, at the end of April, that permission has been given to trans fer the mass of documents from Papeete to the Mitchell Library, Sydney, which has become the repository of practically all books and documents relating to the early history of South Pacific countries.

Some details of the material discovered by Mr. Ramsden in Papeete will be pub lished in next issue.