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| employees_stores [2024/02/14 15:48] – [Rosewood Station 1843-44] judith | employees_stores [2024/04/27 18:16] (current) – [Chinese/Indian Indentured Labourers] judith |
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| One of the few references to Indigenous workers is in a later reminiscence for his daughter Rosa, when TLM-P recalled that one of his workers at //Bromelton// was an indigenous 'boy' he called Charlie, who stayed with him for years.((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no.8, p.98 citing Rosa Praed papers, Box 3, 8370, packet 3/1/1/.))\\ | One of the few references to Indigenous workers is in a later reminiscence for his daughter Rosa, when TLM-P recalled that one of his workers at //Bromelton// was an indigenous 'boy' he called Charlie, who stayed with him for years.((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no.8, p.98 citing Rosa Praed papers, Box 3, 8370, packet 3/1/1/.))\\ |
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| 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/- in cash.((MLMSS 3117/box 8)) Note that cash would be 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.\\ |
| 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. 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) the following were employed at Hawkwood and/or Bromelton. Note that only one name was given, presumably the surname: \\ | 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.\\ |
| Three other employees were listed as 'coolies', now a highly pejorative word. Then it was also pejorative but commonly by Europeans used to indicate Asian indentured labourers:\\ | Three other employees were listed as 'coolies', now a highly pejorative word. Then it was also pejorative but commonly by Europeans used to indicate Asian indentured labourers:\\ |
| * **Poki** listed as '(Coolie) Shepherd' and employed on 16 October 1854 at 30/- per week. Poki is an (Hindu) Indian name. His last entry for buying stores was 17 January 1854. He was paid by the overseer Henry Davis. His employment prospects declined so that when he was re-employed in 1856, it was as a shepherd at 25/- a week.((MLMSS 3117/Box 6, item 5 Ledger)) Angela Woollacott incorrectly claims he was listed as 'Poki Coolieman', and that the latter word was used as a surname rather than a description.((Angela Woollacott, 'Manly authority, employing non-white labour, and frontier violence 1830s-1860s',Journal of Australian Colonial History, 2013, p.39)). Other non-British nationalities had their ethnicity similarly described, and the brackets (which she does not mention) makes it unlikely it was used as a surname. | * **Poki** listed as '(Coolie) Shepherd' and employed on 16 October 1854 at 30/- per week. Poki is an (Hindu) Indian name. His last entry for buying stores was 17 January 1854. He was paid by the overseer Henry Davis. His employment prospects declined so that when he was re-employed in 1856, it was as a shepherd at 25/- a week.((MLMSS 3117/Box 6, item 5 Ledger)) Angela Woollacott incorrectly claims he was listed as 'Poki Coolieman', and that the latter word was used as a surname rather than a description.((Angela Woollacott, 'Manly authority, employing non-white labour, and frontier violence 1830s-1860s',Journal of Australian Colonial History, 2013, p.39)). Other non-British nationalities had their ethnicity similarly described, and the brackets (which she does not mention) makes it unlikely it was used as a surname. |
| * **Dhookee/Dho Ree** was listed as 'Dhookee (Coolieman)' and employed as a shepherd at £35 pa from August 1856. If Dhookee is the correct rendition, then he was possibly from Mauritius, as that is where the surname is most common. The Hawkwood ledger entry ((MLMSS3117/box 7X)) ends with a note that Dhookee 'lost 300 sheep going to Cocoa[?] which I did not know for 8 days and only found about 6 of the whole after searching for a fortnight. Dhookee became quite deranged and I had to send him to Gayndah from whence he was forwarded to Sydney.' It is uncertain why he was first sent to [[wp>Gayndah]], but it was then 'established practice' to transfer mentally ill people first to jail in Sydney then to the 'lunatic asylum'. Accordingly, Dhookee was sent to Darlinghurst Jail, examined by Dr George West on 18 December 1856 and declared insane, then taken to Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum (later called Gladesville Hospital).(([[https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/444583/qld-mh-history.pdf]])) Helen Patterson, co-author with Maureen Copley of //Gladesville Hospital Cemetery, The Forgotten Cemetery - the Forgotten People// (Ryde District Historical Society, 2023) made the connection between Dhookee and Dho Ree, also known as Rea Dhoo. Dho Ree was admitted to the Asylum in January 1857 and died on 27 June 1858 when he was 50 years old.((The NSW State Archives' Colonial Secretary: Index to Letters Received, 1826-96, the Joan Reese Index)) His 'General Form of Commitment' states that Edward Fielding Palmer JP and others claimed that on 16 October 1856, Dho Ree was at Hawkwood and 'did assault one **Do Ri** with intent to murder him' and that he was a 'dangerous Lunatic and unsafe to be at large'.\\ | * **Dhookee/Dho Ree** was listed as 'Dhookee (Coolieman)' and employed as a shepherd at £35 pa from August 1856. If Dhookee is the correct rendition, then he was possibly from Mauritius, as that is where the surname is most common. The Hawkwood ledger entry ((MLMSS3117/box 7X)) ends with a note that Dhookee 'lost 300 sheep going to Cocoa[?] which I did not know for 8 days and only found about 6 of the whole after searching for a fortnight. Dhookee became quite deranged and I had to send him to Gayndah from whence he was forwarded to Sydney.' It is uncertain why he was first sent to [[wp>Gayndah]], but TLM-P had some connection there as his accounts show purchases from John Conolly, storekeeper there in 1855.((Hawkwood station ledger, MLMSS3117/7X0)). It was then 'established practice' to transfer mentally ill people first to jail in Sydney then to the 'lunatic asylum'. Accordingly, Dhookee was sent to Darlinghurst Jail, examined by Dr George West on 18 December 1856 and declared insane, then taken to Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum (later called Gladesville Hospital). He just missed staying in Queensland as the Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum opened in 1865 (in 1880 its name changed to the Goodna Asylum for the Insane).(([[https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/444583/qld-mh-history.pdf]]))\\ Helen Patterson, co-author with Maureen Copley of //Gladesville Hospital Cemetery, The Forgotten Cemetery - the Forgotten People// (Ryde District Historical Society, 2023) made the connection between Dhookee and Dho Ree, also known as Rea Dhoo. Dho Ree was admitted to the Asylum in January 1857 and died on 27 June 1858 when he was 50 years old.((The NSW State Archives' Colonial Secretary: Index to Letters Received, 1826-96, the Joan Reese Index)) His 'General Form of Commitment' states that Edward Fielding Palmer JP and others claimed that on 16 October 1856, Dho Ree was at Hawkwood and 'did assault one **Do Ri** with intent to murder him' and that he was a 'dangerous Lunatic and unsafe to be at large'.\\ |
| * **Bundoo** listed as a 'coolie'.((MLMSS3117/Box 7X)) This is an Indian surname.\\ | * **Bundoo** listed as a 'coolie'.((MLMSS3117/Box 7X)) This is an Indian surname.\\ |
| As well, others listed were: | As well, others listed were: |
| * **Low Tien** listed as a 'Chinaman' employed as a shepherd at £30 pa.((MLMSS3117/Box 7X))\\ | * **Low Tien** listed as a 'Chinaman' employed as a shepherd at £30 pa.((MLMSS3117/Box 7X))\\ |
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| In all, 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 ==== |
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| ==== Employees at Bromelton Station 1850-1851 ==== | ==== Employees at Bromelton Station 1850-1851 ==== |
| The ledger for Bromelton station, Logan River, Queensland, 1850-1851((MLMSS 3117/Box 7X. The back of this ledger was used by TLM-P as his private journal, 1858-1860)) gives the following employees. [to check dates]\\ | The ledger for Bromelton station, Logan River, Queensland, 1850-1851((MLMSS 3117/Box 7X. The back of this ledger was used by TLM-P as his private journal, 1858-1860)). Some of his employees were: [to check dates]\\ |
| 1 **James Wilson**, paid £40 pa\\ | 1 **James Wilson**, paid £40 pa\\ |
| 2 **Kinbracker(?) and wife**, £40 pa (combined wage)\\ | 2 **Kinbracker(?) and wife**, £40 pa (combined wage)\\ |
| 8 **Lye** see above under Chinese indentured labourers (Darnell list)\\ | 8 **Lye** see above under Chinese indentured labourers (Darnell list)\\ |
| 9 **Boon** see above under Chinese indentured labourers (Darnell list)\\ | 9 **Boon** see above under Chinese indentured labourers (Darnell list)\\ |
| 10 **C.C. Davies** The entry is unclear but he was the likely person employed at £50 pa.\\ | 10 **H.? Davies** The entry is unclear but he was the likely person employed at £50 pa.\\ |
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| ==== Employees at Bromelton Station 1852-1854 ==== | ==== Employees at Bromelton Station 1852-1854 ==== |
| These employees at in an unnamed ledger.((MLMSS3117/Box 8)) It can be identified as that of //Bromelton// because of the dates. The employees are:\\ | These employees at in an unnamed ledger.((MLMSS3117/Box 8)) It can be identified as that of //Bromelton// because of the dates. Some of the employees listed are:\\ |
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| 1 **Robert Bradbury**, December 1852 received stores and wages. \\ | 1 **Robert Bradbury**, December 1852 received stores and wages. \\ |
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| ==== Employees at Hawkwood Station 1854-1858 ==== | ==== Employees at Hawkwood Station 1854-1858 ==== |
| //Bromelton//'s ledger merges in one for //Hawkwood// although exactly when it changes is unclear [to check]. As usual the ledger also records other transactions, such as buying cattle from James Glennie Esq in 1857. There is also a list of stores purchased in 1855 with a note that the account was settled when Mr Chauvel left Hawkwood.((MLMSS 3117/Box 8)) The index page lists him as A.B.J. Chauvel. The Chauvels had a property //Tabulam// on the Clarence River in northern NSW - see [[wp>Tabulam]]. Charles H. Chauvel from 1883 he lived at Canning Downs South in Queensland and at some unknown stage became 'well-known as a breeder of pure Shorthorns'.((The Brisbane Courier, 18 May 1896, p.4)) TTLM-P's later property //Maroon// also became known for its shorthorns.\\ | As usual the ledger also records other transactions, such as buying cattle from James Glennie Esq in 1857. There is also a list of stores purchased in 1855 with a note that the account was settled when Mr Chauvel left Hawkwood.((MLMSS 3117/Box 8)) The index page lists him as A.B.J. Chauvel. The Chauvels had a property //Tabulam// on the Clarence River in northern NSW - see [[wp>Tabulam]]. Charles H. Chauvel from 1883 he lived at Canning Downs South in Queensland and at some unknown stage became 'well-known as a breeder of pure Shorthorns'.((The Brisbane Courier, 18 May 1896, p.4)) TTLM-P's later property //Maroon// also became known for its shorthorns.\\ |
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| | Some of the employees listed are: \\ |
| 1 **John Martin**\\ | 1 **John Martin**\\ |
| 2 **Spencer Lambert**\\ | 2 **Spencer Lambert**\\ |
| [check dates when Hawkwood ledger finishes]\\ | [check dates when Hawkwood ledger finishes]\\ |
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| The next ledger is also for Hawkwood station.((MLMSS 3117/Box 7X)) There is also a list of the shearers employed in 1855 (check which ledger. including John Black who sheared 1600 sheep), 1856 and 1857. C. Daly and A. Rucker were contracted in 1856 and 1857 to build a kitchen with a shingle roof as well as 3 shepherd huts with two rooms 10x6 feet each, door and window. Not all employees are listed, but the following were:\\ | The next ledger is also for Hawkwood station.((MLMSS 3117/Box 7X)) There is also a list of the shearers employed in 1855 (check which ledger. including John Black who sheared 1600 sheep), 1856 and 1857. C. Daly and A. Rucker were contracted in 1856 and 1857 to build a kitchen with a shingle roof as well as 3 shepherd huts with two rooms 10x6 feet each, door and window. Not all employees are listed, but some that were are:\\ |
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| 1 **Alexander (Alex) Brown** employed as overseer in 1856, paid £50 pa, later increased to £70 pa;\\ | 1 **Alexander (Alex) Brown** employed as overseer in 1856, paid £50 pa, later increased to £70 pa;\\ |
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| As noted above,//Hawkwood//'s ledger simply refers to 'Black Boys' giving no names[check - payment or stores? pp.146-47]. \\ | As noted above,//Hawkwood//'s ledger simply refers to 'Black Boys' giving no names[check - payment or stores? pp.146-47]. \\ |
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| In his private journal for 1858-60((MLMSS 3117/Box 7X)), TLM-P noted three other employees:\\ | In his private journal for 1858-60((MLMSS 3117/Box 7X)), TLM-P noted three other employees:\\ |
| 1 **Jemima Fraser** hired on 17 September 1858 as a nurse at £25 pa with a months' notice required. A nurse was needed as he and Matilda at that stage had six surviving children the eldest of whom was 10 years old. As well, Matilda would give birth the following month. \\ | 1 **Jemima Fraser** hired on 17 September 1858 as a nurse at £25 pa with a months' notice required. A nurse was needed as he and Matilda at that stage had six surviving children the eldest of whom was 10 years old. As well, Matilda would give birth the following month. \\ |
| 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)\\ |