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| employees_stores [2024/03/21 22:20] – [Employees at Hawkwood Station 1854-1858] judith | employees_stores [2024/06/21 21:17] – judith |
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| All remote property owners, like TLM-P, had to act as store keepers, having supplies of essential goods carted in to be used by the household but also on-sold to employees and travellers. \\ | All remote property owners, like TLM-P, had to act as store keepers, having supplies of essential goods carted in to be used by the household but also on-sold to employees and travellers. \\ |
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| The following is a list of good which were kept at Hawkwood and the price at which they were sold. Unfortunately there is no record of the original cost of the goods nor of the considerable cost of transporting the goods. {{:hawkwood_prices_trimmed_page_20231019_164237.jpg?250|}}\\ | The following is a list of good which were kept at //Hawkwood// and the price at which they were sold. Unfortunately there is no record of the original cost of the goods nor of the considerable cost of transporting the goods. {{:hawkwood_prices_trimmed_page_20231019_164237.jpg?250|}}\\ |
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| While at Rosewood, TLM-P regularly purchased supplies from G.F. Bennet & Co. of Brisbane with the goods carted to the property by George Bennett. Bennett presumably had others to help with the necessary paperwork as he was illiterate, signing with his mark.((pp.18-21)). In 1855, he did business with 'John Conolly store keeper Gayndar'. [[wp>|Gayndah]] is in the North Burnett region. Later at Maroon, many of the goods were purchased from G.H. Wilson of Ipswich. The following is one of the pages is an example: {{:wilson_account_mlmss_3117_box_820231019_150818.jpg?350|}} \\ | While at //Rosewood//, TLM-P regularly purchased supplies from G.F. Bennet & Co. of Brisbane with the goods carted to the property by George Bennett. Bennett presumably had others to help with the necessary paperwork as he was illiterate, signing with his mark.((pp.18-21)). In 1855, he did business with 'John Conolly store keeper Gayndar'. [[wp>|Gayndah]] is in the North Burnett region. Later at //Maroon//, many of the goods were purchased from G.H. Wilson of Ipswich. The following is one of the pages is an example: {{:wilson_account_mlmss_3117_box_820231019_150818.jpg?350|}} \\ |
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| The ledgers follow the social conventions re ethnicity and gender. Neither Indigenous workers nor the wife of an employed couple are named. When a couple was employed, the wage mentioned was for their combined labour. Interestingly, couples had a disadvantage in the labour market as their combined wage tended to be low compared to individual employees. Translated names clearly caused problems especially when it was likely those involved were not literate in English, and TLM-P probably only literate in English and French. If a fellow squatter was mentioned, he was referred to as 'Esq' (esquire).\\ | The ledgers follow the social conventions re ethnicity and gender. Neither Indigenous workers nor the wife of an employed couple are named. When a couple was employed, the wage mentioned was for their combined labour. Interestingly, couples had a disadvantage in the labour market as their combined wage tended to be low compared to individual employees. Translated names clearly caused problems especially when it was likely those involved were not literate in English, and TLM-P probably only literate in English and French. If a fellow squatter was mentioned, he was referred to as 'Esq' (esquire).\\ |
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| The ledgers also showed the dependency of those who were able to select land on or near Maroon. Ezra Harvey was one such who appears heavily reliant on Maroon's stores as the following pages show:{{:ezra_harvey_20231019_133928.jpg?350|}} {{:ezra_harvey_ledger_p.jpg?350|}}\\ | The ledgers also showed the dependency of those who were able to select land on or near //Maroon//. Ezra Harvey was one such who appears heavily reliant on //Maroon//'s stores as the following pages show:{{:ezra_harvey_20231019_133928.jpg?350|}} {{:ezra_harvey_ledger_p.jpg?350|}}\\ |
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| ===== Indigenous workers ===== | ===== Indigenous workers ===== |
| The ledger books that have survived from TLM-P's various properties indicate the lack of power and oppression experienced by Indigenous workers like 'Charlie'. It appears that they were not employed on a regular basis but rather paid on an occasional and casual basis, perhaps fitting in with their obligations as much as TLM-P's needs. Typically, Indigenous workers are not named (and certainly not given their Indigenous name) and any payments are very low. //Hawkwood//'s ledger simply refers to 'Black Boys' giving no names. In //Maroon//'s ledger for 1867-68, for example, an entry under Tom de M. M-P, simply notes that in May 1860 he paid 'Blackboy' 5 shillings.((MLMSS 3117/box 8)) Similarly there is a reference in 1879 of one of the employed stockman paying 'Hughie Black Boy’ 17 shillings.((MLMSS 3117 Box 10, Item 2, pp.6-7)) Note that these payments were made in cash, the only option as it is unlikely a irregularly paid Indigenous worker would be able to open a bank account.\\ | The ledger books that have survived from TLM-P's various properties indicate the lack of power and oppression experienced by Indigenous workers like 'Charlie'. It appears that they were not employed on a regular basis but rather paid on an occasional and casual basis, perhaps fitting in with their obligations as much as TLM-P's needs. Typically, Indigenous workers are not named (and certainly not given their Indigenous name) and any payments are very low. //Hawkwood//'s ledger simply refers to 'Black Boys' giving no names. In //Maroon//'s ledger for 1867-68, for example, an entry under Tom de M. M-P, simply notes that in May 1860 he paid 'Blackboy' 5 shillings.((MLMSS 3117/box 8)) Similarly there is a reference in 1879 of one of the employed stockman paying 'Hughie Black Boy’ 17 shillings.((MLMSS 3117 Box 10, Item 2, pp.6-7)) Note that these payments were made in cash, the only option as it is unlikely a irregularly paid Indigenous worker would be able to open a bank account.\\ |
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| The same pattern is evident when the ledgers list goods sold. Some examples: a page from 1857 listing basic goods sold at Hawkwood's store (clothing and boots etc) lists individuals then simply what was sold to 'Black Boys'((MLMSS 3117/box7x)). Note that calling Indigenous male employees 'boys' persisted well into the late twentieth century. Note too that this page also includes an entry for goods sold to someone just listed as 'Chinaman'. Another example is from //Melcombe// (later called //Maroon//'s) store: white individuals are named (Timothy Daly, James Hooper, John Nalty, Harry McGarvy) then ‘John Black fellow’.((MLMSS 3117/box 8)) Ethnicity was so important that, like class and gender, it had to be made obvious even in a mundane list of goods sold.\\ | The same pattern is evident when the ledgers list goods sold. Some examples: a page from 1857 listing basic goods sold at //Hawkwood//'s store (clothing and boots etc) lists individuals then simply what was sold to 'Black Boys'((MLMSS 3117/box7x)). Note that calling Indigenous male employees 'boys' persisted well into the late twentieth century. Note too that this page also includes an entry for goods sold to someone just listed as 'Chinaman'. Another example is from //Melcombe// (later called //Maroon//'s) store: white individuals are named (Timothy Daly, James Hooper, John Nalty, Harry McGarvy) then ‘John Black fellow’.((MLMSS 3117/box 8)) Ethnicity was so important that, like class and gender, it had to be made obvious even in a mundane list of goods sold.\\ |
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| This pattern of collectively referring to 'blacks' was repeated in Rosa Praed's writings. In her //Australian Life: Black and White// (1885) she describes 'the Blacks... clearing the dead gum-trees' and their camp 'the other side of the creek', with old gunyahs, piccaninnies and card games around camp fires. She also recalls the 'the cracking of a black boy's stock whip' as well the sound of cows being brought in for milking and 'sheep's bells are tinkling'. \\ | This pattern of collectively referring to 'blacks' was repeated in Rosa Praed's writings. In her //Australian Life: Black and White// (1885) she describes 'the Blacks... clearing the dead gum-trees' and their camp 'the other side of the creek', with old gunyahs, piccaninnies and card games around camp fires. She also recalls the 'the cracking of a black boy's stock whip' as well the sound of cows being brought in for milking and 'sheep's bells are tinkling'. \\ |
| With labour scarce in the more isolated parts of Queensland, squatters like TLM-P supported schemes to employ cheap labour. They urged the renewal of convict transportation((Helen Gregory, 'Squatters, selectors and - dare I say it - speculators', //Journal of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland//, XI:4, 1983, p.83.)) and encouraged migration of potential workers. The prevailing racism meant that Asian and Pacific Islander labourers could be treated more like slaves than employees.((Ray Kerkhove and Frank Uhr, //The Battle of One Tree Hill//, Boolarong Press, Tingalpa (Qld), 2019, p.191)) \\ | With labour scarce in the more isolated parts of Queensland, squatters like TLM-P supported schemes to employ cheap labour. They urged the renewal of convict transportation((Helen Gregory, 'Squatters, selectors and - dare I say it - speculators', //Journal of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland//, XI:4, 1983, p.83.)) and encouraged migration of potential workers. The prevailing racism meant that Asian and Pacific Islander labourers could be treated more like slaves than employees.((Ray Kerkhove and Frank Uhr, //The Battle of One Tree Hill//, Boolarong Press, Tingalpa (Qld), 2019, p.191)) \\ |
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| Maxine Darnell has compiled a list of Chinese indentured labourers, those brought to Australia to work on a fixed contract. She points out that she has been able to identify only a minority of these men, and that one source - court records - means an over-representation of those who fell foul of the legal system. Her list was published in La Trobe University's Research Online(( decommissioned in April 2023)). TLM-P is listed as the employer of 17 Chinese men between December 1848 and May 1857 at Bugrooperia (Bromelton) and Hawkwood. For more information about these employees, click on [[Darnell list]]. \\ | Maxine Darnell has compiled a list of Chinese indentured labourers, those brought to Australia to work on a fixed contract. She points out that she has been able to identify only a minority of these men, and that one source - court records - means an over-representation of those who fell foul of the legal system. Her list was published in La Trobe University's Research Online(( decommissioned in April 2023)). TLM-P is listed as the employer of 17 Chinese men between December 1848 and May 1857 at //Bugrooperia// (//Bromelton//) and //Hawkwood Stations//. For more information about these employees, click on [[Darnell list]]. \\ |
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| In addition to the 17 men on Darnell's list (perhaps because they were not indentured) others were employed at Hawkwood and/or Bromelton. Note that only one name was given, presumably the surname. The following is incomplete list of those listed in the ledgers: \\ | In addition to the 17 men on Darnell's list (perhaps because they were not indentured) others were employed at Hawkwood and/or //Bromelton//. Note that only one name was given, presumably the surname. The following is incomplete list of those listed in the ledgers: \\ |
| * '**Assee' (Afsee)** employed as a shepherd from April 1854 for 6 months at £30pa [/-? check] which was then extended for an extra 7 weeks and 4 days. There was another extension at a slightly reduced payrate - to 27 October at 16/6 per week. His pay then was more than halved when he was employed as a hut-keeper for 22 weeks at 5/- a week (though it is possible that different rations were involved). \\ | * '**Assee' (Afsee)** employed as a shepherd from April 1854 for 6 months at £30pa [/-? check] which was then extended for an extra 7 weeks and 4 days. There was another extension at a slightly reduced payrate - to 27 October at 16/6 per week. His pay then was more than halved when he was employed as a hut-keeper for 22 weeks at 5/- a week (though it is possible that different rations were involved). \\ |
| * **Chiang**, one of the eight employees listed in 1857.\\ | * **Chiang**, one of the eight employees listed in 1857.\\ |
| This incomplete sample shows that 25 Chinese men were employed from 1848. It is possible that Do Ri, the man assaulted by Dhookee/Dho Ree was also an employee.\\ | This incomplete sample shows that 25 Chinese men were employed from 1848. It is possible that Do Ri, the man assaulted by Dhookee/Dho Ree was also an employee.\\ |
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| The following is a sample page from the Bugrooperia ledger for one of the indentured labourers on Maxine Darnell's list. In addition to his wages, it lists the stores Lye bought. These stores were all basic necessities (soap, mole[skin] trousers, boots, shirts, rice, blanket and a knife): {{:lye_20231019_163058.jpg?400|}}\\ | The following is a sample page from the Hawkwood ledger for a Chinese labourer called Boon. In addition to his wages, it lists the stores Boon bought. These stores were all basic necessities. {{:1856_boon_enhanced_20231019_163122.jpg?500|}}\\ |
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| ==== Rosewood Station 1843-44 ==== | ==== Rosewood Station 1843-44 ==== |
| These ledgers start on 16 August 1864. They (especially the head station //Maroon//) are quite intensive and include information about stores, employees and stock (musters of cattle and horses, list of brands etc) and the large amount of fencing undertaken (including on Tununbah). There are also lists of stores bought from G. H Wilson & Co of Ipswich, an account with Hugh Campbell a blacksmith at Ipswich, and various business transactions with neighbouring stations.((MLMSS Box 8 and 9)) \\ | These ledgers start on 16 August 1864. They (especially the head station //Maroon//) are quite intensive and include information about stores, employees and stock (musters of cattle and horses, list of brands etc) and the large amount of fencing undertaken (including on Tununbah). There are also lists of stores bought from G. H Wilson & Co of Ipswich, an account with Hugh Campbell a blacksmith at Ipswich, and various business transactions with neighbouring stations.((MLMSS Box 8 and 9)) \\ |
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| Employees/contractors mentioned: | Employees/contractors mentioned include the following: |
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| 1 **Henry (Harry) McGeary** Stockman had been employed by the Bank of Australasia when it took over the property at 26/6 per month until 11 March 1865. He was re-employed as a stockman in June 1865. By January 1866 he was employed as a stockman at £1 per week.\\ | 1 **Henry (Harry) McGeary** Stockman had been employed by the Bank of Australasia when it took over the property at 26/6 per month until 11 March 1865. He was re-employed as a stockman in June 1865. By January 1866 he was employed as a stockman at £1 per week.\\ |
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| ==== Maroon/Rathdowney/[and Brisbane] ledger from 1865 ==== | ==== Maroon/Rathdowney/[and Brisbane] ledger from 1865 ==== |
| The following information is from a different and tatty-looking ledger though the dates appear to overlap. The cover is shown here: {{:20231030_140913_1_.jpg?250|}}((MLMSS3117/Box 9)) There is the usual amount of information including details of employees, dealings with other stations and payments made to local businesses. Blacksmiths were vital and a number used, e.g Mr James Toohey, in April 1866; Messrs W.A. Mclean in August 1866 and Hugh Campbell in October 1866.)\ | The following information is from a different and tatty-looking ledger though the dates appear to overlap. The cover is shown here: {{:20231030_140913_1_.jpg?250|}}((MLMSS3117/Box 9))\\ |
| | There is the usual amount of information including details of employees, dealings with other stations and payments made to local businesses. Blacksmiths were vital and a number used, e.g Mr James Toohey, in April 1866; Messrs W.A. Mclean in August 1866 and Hugh Campbell in October 1866.)\\ |
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| | Some of the people listed are:\\ |
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| 1 **James Harper** (check if employee or stores)\\ | 1 **James Harper** (check if employee or stores)\\ |