TEN THOUSAND MILES IN THE SOUTHERN CROSS [EXCERPTS]

Indigenous people from a number of islands in Northern, Central and Southern Melanesia and shown undertaking a variety of daily and ceremonial activities. George Tarr produced this the feature-length record of the Melanesian mission, Ten thousand miles in the Southern Cross, which he filmed in late 1921 during the mission steamer's annual trip to the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) and the Solomon Islands. When the film was first screened at the Auckland Town Hall on 19 April 1922, the bishop of Melanesia, Dr J. M. Steward, described the scenes and explained the customs of the people as the film was being shown.

Documentation is also held relating to; the production costs, the contract between Archd. Hawkins (Melanesian Missions) and George Tarr (film-maker), correspondence re distribution and sales of the film. It appears that the film was not the commercial success initially hoped . Copies of correspondence show dispute between Hector MacQuarrie (lecturer) and George Tarr regarding the New Zealand tour.

The rights for the film were sold for Australasia, however ventures to sell the film in England and America were unsuccessful.

In a letter dated 18/10/23 to Rev. Corner in London, it states that there was about 12,000 feet of footage, extracts held are approx. 600 feet.