Alfred Hagen
Reis naar de Nieuwe Hebriden en de Salomons-eilanden
De Aarde en haar Volken, 1906
"Reis naar de Nieuwe Hebriden en de Salomons-eilanden" by Alfred Hagen is a travel narrative likely written in the late 19th century. The account details the intricacies of colonization in the Pacific, particularly focusing on the influx of foreign labor to French territories in New Caledonia, as well as the author’s own experiences and observations during a series of maritime journeys through the New Hebrides and Solomon Islands. The opening of the book introduces the context of colonial labor migration and the often violent methods employed to recruit indigenous workers from the islands. Hagen, appointed as a government commissioner overseeing this controversial recruitment process, boards the ship "Lady Saint Aubyn" and sets off on an expansive journey. The narrative dives into the geography, flora, and fauna of various islands, while also providing vivid descriptions of encounters with indigenous populations, their customs, and the impact of European colonization, including their decline in numbers and traditional ways of life. The beginning sets the stage for an exploration that is both a personal adventure and a commentary on colonial practices, as the author grapples with the duality of exploration and exploitation.