Australie

16 pages. Plus a large fold-out colour map, measuring approximately 8.75 x 23 inches (22 x 59cm). Original condition with blue wrappers, titles to front, and containing all the ads. This is a complete issue, seldom found in such good and original condition. This early report was written at the time of great interest in New Guinea as the southern part was annexed by Britain in 1884. A Major Early New Guinea missionary work on the south east region of the island. With detailed accounts of indigenous peoples culture, topography, including records of cannibalism, customs, weapons, ornaments, etc. Chalmer's joined the mission in 1877 and in his time penetrated further inland than any other European. His first post was to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands in 1866, where "the community had been under the influence of Christian missions for decades. For years he had 'longed to get amongst real heathen and savages' and so rejoiced when he was assigned to work in New Guinea. He arrived in Port Moresby in October 1877." Chalmers travelled extensively, in some areas he travelled further inland than any other white men in his time. His main missionary activities were centred on the South-Eastern end of the country at South Cape, where he helped to build up a mission station among the Suau people." After a furlough in 1886/87 Chalmers returned to New Guinea to continue his missionary work but was killed near Goaribari Island in 1901.