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

"Our Representative on a Recruiting Schooner; Competition Between Labour Ships; Re-Victualling Necessary"

Byline: J. D. Melvin; 1892-12-16; 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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 On Monday a recruiter made a fair start. At a beach village named Corpew, where the boats were sheltered from the full force of the ocean rollers by outlying reefs, he found himself thronged with natives. It was a lively crowd, chiefly intent on selling produce, birds, and the discarded European clothing of former recruits - all for tobacco and pipes. Two boys offered as recruits. One was refused on the score of youth; the other was accepted at the apprentice wage of six pounds a year. 

Description:The ninth 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; Competition Between Labour Ships; Re-Victualling Necessary." Written as part of the series "The Kanaka Labour Traffic" by J.D. Melvin.