1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910137630703321

Titolo

An Otago storeman in Solomon Islands : the diary of William Crossan, copra trader, 1885-86 / / edited by Tim Bayliss-Smith and Judith A. Bennett

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Canberra, Australia : , : Australian National University, , 2012

©2012

ISBN

1-922144-21-5

1-922144-20-7

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (106 pages) : illustrations

Disciplina

993.02

Soggetti

New Zealand History 19th century

Solomon Islands History 19th century

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references.

Sommario/riassunto

An Otago Storeman in Solomon Islands reaches from inland South Island of New Zealand across to the Solomon Islands during the 1880's. William Crossan's Otago experience as a versatile storeman with a solid work ethic helped him survive on the Melanesian frontier where he encountered conflicting clans, cannibalism, cheating traders, and co-operative entrepreneurial big men. His diary provides many glimpses into Makiran society as it encountered new ideas, new employment, and western technology. It is a welcome addition to the sparse record of these cryptic copra traders seeking fortunes on the cusp of indigenous tradition and incoming colonialism.