Mataafa's people delivering arms to the Badger

item details

NameMataafa's people delivering arms to the Badger

ProductionThomas Andrew; photographer; 1890-1910; Sāmoa

Classificationblack-and-white negatives, gelatin dry plate negatives

Materialssilver, photographic gelatin, sheet glass, photographic plates

Materials Summaryblack and white gelatin glass negative

Registration NumberC.001538

Overview

The U.S.S. Badger arrived in Apia on the 13 May 1899. It carried a tripartite commission of the three colonial powers sent to Samoa to report on the causes of the troubles and make recommendations on the future of the islands. "Fighting had ceased when news of the commissions appointment was received in Samoa. But the situation was that of an armed truce ... The commission decided that its first task should be to seek the surrender of all Samoan firearms" (Gilson 1970:430).

Most of Mataafa's weapons were surrendered and delivered to the U.S.S .Badger on 31st May and arrangements made to bring in those that were not. It was reported in the Samoa News (6 June 1899) that "just prior to the departure of the mail steamer 1800 rifles of various patterns and a small quantity of cartridges were taken board the Badger. A large fleet of Mataafa's boats attended at the rendezvous fixed by their chief." In this photograph, a number of fautasi (longboats) are alongside the Badger, some of them with awnings attached.

Reference

Gilson Richard.P.1970 Samoa 1830 - 1900 The politics of a Multi-Cultural Community. Oxford University Press, Melbourne