Lot No. 1336
| Auction No. | 10 |
| Category |
Queensland States and Territories Australia |
| Est. | $500 |
| Status | Archived |
1912 (24th Nov) 1d red QV on env pmkd Thursday Island with additional clear full strike above hand written address. Original letter incl on illustrated ship letter headed paper for "Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij" with the ships name added by hand, "S.S. Van Waerwyck". 3 page letter details excerpts from the passenger's diary to his wife & children covering his visit to Moresby. "a dangerous entrance but moonlight helped the Captain & our boat anchored off the wharf. The Government Steamer for Papua (Merrie England) was recently wrecked on the reef at the entrance and can be seen lying nearly high and dry on top of the reef." Another paragraph "These natives built their houses in the water to be safe against surprise attacks from the land natives in the old cannibal days." & "Women are all old and look horrible after 35-40." He also bought a selection of souvenirs incl. "2 native petticoats, several spears, bows & arrows, earrings, pottery, a real stone axe & a paddle." Other excerpts cover the appearance of the natives, Europeans, Port Morseby etc, etc. An accompanying photocopy advertises the voyage from Sydney via Queensland Ports & Port Morsby. They can be booked through Thomas Cook & come with "wireless Telegraphy, Refrigerator, Electric Laundry, Surgeon & Barber". A fascinating insight into the times of an early "Tourist".
Image represents the entire lot.