Pacific Manuscripts Bureau

Isaac Neilson Whyte and Mary Grace Whyte Photographs of New Hebrides (Vanuatu)

AU PMB PHOTO 108
Collectie
1952 - 1959

This collection of photographs illustrates the life of Rev Isaac Neilson Whyte and Dr Mary Grace Whyte durng their service with the Australian Presbyterian Board of Missions in the New Hebrides, 1952-1957. With their children Michael, Robyn, Alistair and Peter, they were based in the village of Wintua in the South West Bay region of Malekula. Mary Grace and Neilson arrived in Wintua shortly after a hurricane had been through and destroyed much of the village infrastructure. In the years that followed, Wintua was rebuilt with the help of people from neighbouring villages, who helped to build a new church, mission house, district school and a small hospital. Rev Whyte was often away from Wintua, visiting other villages in his mission jurisdiction. He visited Big Nambas territory, which had in the previously been hostile to Europeans, and helped bring about a peace agreement between village leaders. Mary Grace practised medicine in Wintua and surrounding villages.

This collection of photographs depicts village and church life in South West Bay. It shows the reconstruction of the village, family photographs, Rev and Dr Whyte giving medical care and travel between villages by launch and canoe. There are also photos of a Big Nambas village and the Leviamp peace talks, as well as family photos taken on return to Australia.

Whyte, Isaac Neilson

General correspondence and miscellaneous papers

AU PMB MS 172
Collectie
1836 - 1954

These papers comprise part of the records of the Vicariate of New Caledonia which are designated Oceania Nova Caledonia (ONC) in the Marist Archives. The ONC material fills four large filing cabinets which are listed as APM I ONC, APM II ONC, APM III ONC and AMP IV ONC. The ONC files are not as well organized as the other Pacific vicariates and they contain many unclassified and unnamed sections. Please also see PMB MS 161.

Cabinet APM IV ONC:

Correspondence dated October 1912-December 1913 and 1914-20
Cabinet APM I ONC:
1. Dossier classified 'Geography': article on the mineral wealth of New Caledonia; chapters entitled 'Cullinary Arts of New Caledonia', 'Clothing', 'Games and entertainments', 'Music', 'Fabric, Basketry, Cordage, Pearl Money', 'Tools and Weapons'.
2. Dossier classified 'Philology': list of publications in indigenous languages; biographical details of Father Jean Hervier, SM. and a list of his publications on New Caledonia Gastropods; biographical details of Xavier Montrouzier, SM, naturalist
3. Dossier classified 'Sacred Congregation': Correspondence dated 1859, 1878, 1887, 1888, 1905, 1907, 1954 (In Latin)
4. Dossier of letters to the local civil administration 1855-63
5. List of articles from Mission Catholiques, 1869-1945
6. correspondence list 1836-87, giving place of writing, name of correspondent, date written. List of correspondence from Mgr Douarre, 1836-46.
7. Dossier comprising Rules of the Vicariate of New Caledonia 1843-1889 (in Latin) and related correspondence; map of South Pacific; Rules of the Vicariate of New Caledonia 1843-53 (in Latin)
8. Dossier entitled 'Lay Relations', comprising a letter about New Caledonia dated 28 December, 1859
9. Correspondence of Mgr Douarre to the General Administration, 1842-53