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

"Our Representative on a Recruiting Schooner; Concluding Comments; Stringency of the Regulations; The Cost of a Kanaka"

Byline: J. D. Melvin; 1892-12-22; The Argus; pages 5-6

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

Tags: blackbirding, labor, slavery, worked as sailor

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 The cruise of the Helena made it very clear that malpractice in the recruiting of islanders is, practically, impossible under the existing system. The traffic is hedged in by legislation in every direction. A ship-owner who intends to bring islanders to Queensland must give a preliminary notice, stating where the vessel is lying, what condition she is in, how many islanders it is desired to carry, what islands she is to visit, and what limit he will place on the duration of the voyage. He has then to apply for a license.

Description:The thirteenth and final 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 in The Argus written by J.D. Melvin for the "The Kanaka Labour Traffic" series.