Singapore contract for Chinese laborers to work in Albany Western Australia 1889: 'General Form of Contract for Chinese Engaging to Labour in this Colony and in the Native States'.
Singapore: 1889. Signed contract in English and Chinese between two Chinese laborers and agents for Messrs. A & A Hassell, Albany, W.A., from the Office of the Protector of Chinese, in Singapore. By 1888 Singapore had a rapidly expanding Chinese population of over 100,000; the British colonial government appointed William Pickering as the first "Protector of Chinese" in 1877 to handle the serious abuses of Chinese labor. Pickering, who was the first British official to read and speak Chinese, worked diligently to protect the newly arriving immigrants, as well as women immigrants forced into prostitution. Pickering was soon helping the entire Chinese community with labor, financial and domestic disagreements. This assistance undermined the power of the local secret societies, which were practicing extortion, gambling, prostitution and smuggling, and instigating riots. Pickering was seriously injured by a member of one of the societies, and was forced, in spite of several leaves of absence, to retire on May 15, 1889. This contract, dated February of 1889, is one of the last which would have passed through Pickering's office before his retirement.
The contract stipulates that the two Chinese laborers will be employed as "General Servants" for 3 years, at a monthly wage of $8, with an advance of $32 which would be deducted by the employer at a rate of $2 per month. The other conditions of the contract include traveling expenses, the provision of housing and daily food (although the provision of clothing is struck out); conditions for illness and treatment; inability to work due to venereal disease or laziness; length of work hours; and celebration of Chinese festivals. With the register completed showing the two names of employees in English and Chinese, their ages and countries of origin. Office of Protector of Chinese, and the date Singapore 13th February, 1889 at lower left; signatures of agents for employer at lower right. Two red stamps of the Office of Protector, with the one at the right signed. Text in Chinese at last page. A note written at ninety degrees on the first page of the contract indicating that the two laborers had arrived in Australia, dated 25/3/89, and with the signature Rowe J. Loften, JP. Printed on blue paper, folded. With area of loss at lower right corner of signature page, affecting the signature of the witness, which is perhaps R. G. Watson and 8 1/2 x 13 3/4" Very good condition. Item #20130
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