Identity area
Reference code
AU ANUA 533
Title
Date(s)
- circa 1860 - 1932 (Creation)
Level of description
Series
Extent and medium
7 type 1 boxes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Reverend Shirley Waldemar Baker was an English Wesleyan missionary who arrived in Tonga from Australia in 1860. During his stay of more than 30 years, Baker became a close adviser to King Tupou I. He began his role of adviser to the King in 1862 and was the author of the constitution which the King granted to his people in 1875. Baker was also largely responsible for negotiating the treaty of friendship signed between Tonga and Germany in 1876. The treaty attracted the attention of the British authorities and Baker was recalled from Tonga by the missionary committee in 1879. Baker returned to Tonga in 1880 and was installed by Tupou as premier. In 1885 he established the Free Church, Wesleyan in doctrine but free from Australian control. In 1890 he was deported by the high commissioner, Sir John Thurston.
Name of creator
Biographical history
Repository
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Accruals
System of arrangement
Each piece of correspondence had been made a separate item before they arrived at the Pacific Research Archives.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Researchers must sign an access agreement.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
These records have been microfilmed by the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau as PMB 1203. http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au.virtual.anu.edu.au/pambu/catalogue/index.php/tongan-papers