Dexter (1865-1946) arrived in Papua in 1910. Except for a break in Malaya in 1918-24, he worked as a plantation manager, assistant resident magistrate, captain of coastal vessels and trader at Milne Bay until returning permanently to England in 1937.

The reminiscences describe Dexter's experiences in Papua as a plantation manager, assistant resident magistrate, ship's captain and trader. The work was intended for publication under the title Reminiscences of a Gin-soaked Trader. See Finding aids for details.