Hocken Digital Collections

Thomson, George Craig : Papers relating mostly to the early history of Otago

Details

Reference NumberARC-0055CreatorThomson, George Craig, 1879-1948DescriptionThe first part of the collection includes Harwood's manuscript papers, along with transcripts of those papers made by Thomson or his employees. The rest of the collection consists chiefly of copies or transcripts of a wide variety of papers relating to early Otago, held in institutions around the world. They range from correspondence of the Weller family, to journals of visiting explorers, whalers and surveyors, to records of the early missionaries and churches. There are also copies and transcripts of official records, such as the papers of the New Zealand Company, Commissioner Bigge's enquiry into early New South Wales (which also collected information relating to New Zealand), and the 1843 commission to examine land claims. There are also papers containing biographical information on early Otago residents - some of this consists of correspondence and reminiscences from families. The collection also includes correspondence relating to Thomson's research, and papers which appear to be drafts for the intended book. There is a considerable amount of material relating to Kāi Tahu throughout the collection.
A small part of the history was published in the brochure 'Centenary of Otago Settlement (Otakou) 1831-1931' by R.S. Black, R.H. Steele, H.D. Skinner, Geo. C. Thomson, W.B. McEwan, Murray G. Thomson.
Only a small part of this collection is digitised and available through Digital Collections. Information about other items can be found on the Hākena catalogue, through the Library Catalogues link above.History / BiographyGeorge Craig Thomson (1879-1948) was the son of Alexander and Jessie Thomson. His father, who had migrated to Otago in 1860, was founder of the highly successful Thomson's Cordials and Aerated Waters. George joined the family firm and became company manager. Along with other members of his family, he had a great interest in the early history of Otago, particularly the period prior to the Otago Association settlement in 1848. During the 1930s he carried out extensive research with the intention of publishing a book on early Otago, but this was never completed. He collected a substantial amount of material, much of it transcripts of the originals, and corresponded with other researchers and descendants of people of historical interest. Others assisted with his research - he employed Miss E.A. Summerbelle to research and transcribe material in Sydney, and much of the local research appears to have been carrried out by R.H. Steele, a Dunedin law clerk.
A large part of the papers consists of the original manuscript papers of Octavius Harwood, purchased by Thomson from his descendants. Harwood came to Otago in the 1830s as clerk and storekeeper for the Weller Brothers' Otakou whaling station. When the business failed, Harwood continued the store in partnership with Charles Schultze, and later on his own account. He eventually became a farmer in the district, also holding a sheep run near Hampden for some years in the 1850s.

Photograph

Copy of a sketch of Otākou by Bishop Selwyn

Copy of a drawing of the Mermaid by Lt Phillip Parker King

Copy of a sketch of Otākou by Bishop Selwyn

Depicts Or Relates To

SubjectsOtago - History

Digital Collections

Hocken Digital Collections

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Thomson, George Craig : Papers relating mostly to the early history of Otago

Hocken Collections | Te Uare Taoka o Hākena