II-"The Kanaka Labour Traffic" - J.D. Melvin - The Argus

"Our Representative on a Recruiting Schooner; Natives Homeward Bound; The Voyage to the Solomon Islands"

Byline: J. D. Melvin; 1892-12-05; The Argus; pages 5-6

Report: "The Kanaka Labor Traffic" - J.D. Melvin - The Argus

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Full article via the National Library of Australia

Pending developments, I classed myself with the men in the town who were looking for employment, registered myself to the labour bureau, visited some of the plantations as a swagman, got a job or two branding and filling sugar bags and cutting firewood, and eventually secured an appointment as supercargo on the Helena, which proved the first of the two vessels to sail.

Description:The first installment of J.D. Melvin's undercover report from on-board the blackbirding vessel The Helena.

Rights: Public domain.

Additional Media

An article written as part of The Argus' series "The Kanaka Labour Traffic" by J.D. Melvin.