Documents

Lot 3749    SESSION 12 - 11.30AM Thursday 31 July    Documents

Estimate $3,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

COLONY OF VICTORIA, a group of documents, dated 1868 to 1874, relating to The Polynesia Company Limited, Melbourne and Fiji, including share certificate, issued to Samuel Amess of Melbourne, dated 15th Febry 18[69], for twenty £2 shares, black on white, vignette of palm trees and island plants left side; Land Warrant (2), in the name of Samuel Amess, No.s 568 and 569, both for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Fiji; Amended Prospectus, listing J.S.Butters and Samuel Amess as provisional directors of the company; Mortgage, between The Polynesia Company Limited and James S.Butters, dated 5th Feby 1875; Extension of time for payment of mortgage debt and further security, to Samuel Amess, 18th June 1875; Agreement; Conveyances (5), including one between Ralu Golea Tui Cakau and The Polynesia Company Limited; hand drawn coloured maps (2) showing the Company's allotments in Fiji; Form of Application for shares; Alterations to Constitution; letters and receipts (11); most documents are handwritten on vellum. With foxing to some documents, folds and creases, otherwise fine - good very fine. (28 items)

The Polynesia Company was formed in 1868 with the object of utilising the vast resources of the Islands of the South Pacific by forming an institution upon principles similar to those adopted by the old East India Company. The operations would include banking, trading and the cultivation of cotton, sugar, coffee and other tropical productions. A charter was signed, by which King Thakombau, with the consent of his Chiefs, in consideration of the Company liquidating a debt due the US Government, and an annuity of 200 pounds per annum to him, ceded 200,000 acres of land to the Company and granted them exclusive banking privileges for 21 years with the right of issuing banknotes for the Islands, and an exemption from all taxation. To encourage early occupation of the Company's lands Free Grants were given to shareholders, with the possibility of also purchasing additional land at 7s 6d per acre.