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

"Our Representative on a Recruiting Schooner; The Safeguards Against Deception; First Recruits"

Byline: J. D. Melvin; 1892-12-08; The Argus; pages 5-6

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

Tags: blackbirding, labor, Queensland, slavery, worked as sailor

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So here was an islander who had learned by experience what the so-called slavery in Queensland was, and who was seeking another term of bondage.  Where had he worked before?  ‘Bundaberg!’ – the very place we were recruiting for, and he was so well posted as to have the Christian name of our recruiter at the tip of his tongue.  He was in short thoroughly au fait with the whole business, and wide awake.

Description:The fourth article in The Argus' series "The Kanaka Labour Traffic" by J.D. Melvin about his time spent as a crew member on the blackbirding vessel The Helena sent to recruit laborers from the the Solomon Islands.

Rights: Public domain.

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An article titled, "Our Representative on a Recruiting Schooner; The Safeguards Against Deception; First Recruits." Written as part of the series "The Kanaka Labour Traffic" by J.D. Melvin.