LABOUR FROM AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 142, 24 September 1853, Page 8

LABOUR FROM AUSTRALIA.

Public Meeting at Chkistchurcu. After the market dinner at the Golden Fleece, on Saturday last, the 17th inst., Mr. W. G. Brittan stated that he had been keeping the chair for Cap. Simeon, who, he understood, was to preside over an adjourned meeting on the subject of importation of labour, in that room at 3 p. m. Mr. Wakefield said that he had been requested by Cap. Simeon to apologise for his unavoidable absence, on account of urgent magisterial business, requiring his presence at Lyttelton. He begged to move that Mr. W. G. Brittan be requested to take the chair ou this occasion. The motion was seconded in several , places, and was carried by acclamation. Mr. W. G. Biutta-n then took the chair, and opened the proceedings by reading from the Lyttelton Times of that day the account of a meeting held on the previous Wednesday evening, which had been adjourned to this day. He had in no way expected to be called on to take a part in these proceedings; but he agreed ill the expediency of discussing this subject at a public meeting. No one could doubt that there was a deficiency of labour in this settlemeat, and it remained to be determined what was the best quarter to get it from, and what the best way of getting it, whether from China, England, or Port Philip (hear). Mk. Cass asserted the necessity of introducing labour of some kind into the province, and that right soon, in order to secure our harvest, both of wool and grain, which would be heavier than any that had hitherto been gathered, while there would be fewer hands to gather it. Many of those who were labourers for hire last year, had now become proprietors, and would be employers of labour, if they could obtain it —(hear.) To meet this difficulty required the co-operation of all parties, whether actually employers, or likely soon to become so. He was not himself an employer of much labour; but, having been requested to move the first resolution, he had cheerfully consented to do so, because he concurred in the feeling that it would be for the public benefit to enquire if any means could be found to supply this general want. He was glad that the meeting of last Wednesday had been adjourned, because there was now a much larger attendance, including several persons recently from Port Philip, who would probably give the meeting valuable information— (hear.) Mr. Cass then moved, — " That/both because laboring men havebeen enabled very easily to acquire and occupy small plots of land in this settlement, whether as their own freehold, or on liberal leases, and because the gold diggings in the neighbouring colonies have tempted many of our labouring men for a t\ma in vu,.-.,>.-„ r1,;.l .1 1_ r _,_ _.1 ... . " >•" .nuu.c.umiici , luc Mippiy vi guuu agricultural and pastoral labour is now inadequate to the wants of its would-be employers." Mr. J. Brittan then said—l beg leave, sir, to second the resolution which Mr. Cass has submitted to the meeting for its approval ; but after the clear and practical observations helms made it will not be necessary for me to occupy the attention of the meeting at any length. Indeed, the statements contained in the resolution are so self-evident, so obviously true as to render proof superfluous and disproof impossible. For, sir, there cannot be a person here today, who, if he be a labourer, cannot of his own knowledge, or if he be an employer of labour, cannot from his own experience bear testimony to the truth of the statement contained in the resolution, namely, that owing to the favourable circumstances that surround the labourer in this settlement, he has been able in a very brief space of time to acquire independence,"to become in common phraseology his own master, and to start on his own account; thus depriving the person who brought him out of the assist" ance he needed, whilst on the other hand there has been no corresponding immigration of labour to supply the vacancies which have been thus created (hear, hear). But, sir, though the statements contained in the resolution are so obviously true as not to need to he supported by argument, yet you will perhaps permit me to observe that they suggest two ideas on which it may not be unprofitable to dwell for a few moments. First, they suggest the existence of a difficulty which it will Le wise to look in the face ; and secondly, they appear to me to suggest matter for congratulation. It , nay appear paradoxical to say that the same circumstances suggest the existence of a grievance and also

matter for congratulation ; yet I have no doubt if the meeting will extend to me its indulgence for a short time to make both propositions intelligible. First, as to the existence of the difficulty. The remarks which have been made by Mr. Cass fully prove that fact. It will not, therefore, be necessary for me to add anything to what he has said. Nor do I think it proper to trespass on the time of the meeting by the enumeration of a series of vapid truisms on the subject of labour. In every country in the world and in every imaginable state of society, labour, mental or physical, is the source of all wealth. But it is in a new state of society such as this, that its importance, its indispensability, is most immediately felt, and where the absence of it is found to be productive of inconvenience and loss. (Hear, hear.) And obviously for this reason, that neither as a community nor as individuals have we yet been able to make such provision for the future, or lay up such stores for our wants as to enable us to sustain without great loss any interruption to our labour. Our situations are for the most part alike. Immediately on our arrival here we set about investing our capital, whether great or small, in occupations that can only be made available or profitable by the instrumentality of labour. If then that labour is withdrawn, as it is being withdrawn, the proposition is clearly established that a serious difficulty exists, from which it will be wise in us to try to find a way of escape. Sir, it does not come within the province of the duty allotted me to day to suggest the measures which should be adopted, I shall be followed by other speakers who will do that. Indeed, I would here observe that I am not a member of the committee from whom this meeting originated. I was requested to take a part "in this day's proceedings, and regarding the subject as one of universal concern I did not feel justified in refusing to do so. But, though I have not the honor of being on that committee, yet I know enough of the gentlemen who composed it to be able to state "that they entered on the subject fully impressed with a sense of its importance, fully conscious of the difficulties surrounding the question of the importation of labour, fully conscious of the objections that might be raised against any proposition that might be suggested, and fully conscious also of the objections real and plausible that might he brought against the particular proposition that will be brought forward to day. But their wish was to bring the matter before a public meeting for discussion, and they are by no means so bound up in their own plan, but that they will readily abandon it if the wisdom of this meeting should suggest one that can be proved to be more likely to accomplish the object desired, namely, an importation of labour. (Cheers.) — And now, sir, I will in conclusion say a few words on the second idea suggested by the statements contained in the resolution, which is, that they furnish matter for congratulation and, sir, I do think that there is goocfground for congratulation, when I find that within three years of the establishment of this settlement we have occasion to meet together and complain of a scarcity of labour. For what does that fact declave, " trumpet-tongued" declare, but that three years experience of the land of our adoption has satisfied us that its soil is fully capable of repaying all the toil we may bestow upon it,(hear, hear,) and that even at the present high rate of wages it will abundantly reward the energetic cultivator ? And still "more, it declares that we see or believe we see around us abundant and lucrative markets for whatever produce we may raise. But, there are yet other reasons for congratulation. The words of the resolution state " that both because labouring men have been enabled very easily to acquire and occupy small plots of land in this settlement, whether as their own freeholds or on liberal leases &c, the supply of good agricultural and pastoral labour is now inadequate to the wants of its would-be-employers." Now, sir, I would ask, can there be any gentleman present here to-day who does not rejoice at the evidence which is here given of the ready reward which skilful and industrious labour meets with in this settlement? (hear, bear). Who (is there, who, though he may be feeling-inconvenience, it may be loss, from the present state of things, does not find some compensating consideration, some countervailing pleasure in the reflection, that here, so different from what prevailed in the old country, skill and industry are sure to meet with their due reward ? (cheers). These are the sentiments which I know to be entertained by the originators of this meeting, and I am

anxious to say this, to prevent if possible the idea that there is any desire on their part to disturb this very satisfactory state of things, I mean satisfactory so far as the labourer is concerned. Nothing of this kind is contemplated. I for one have no hesitation iv saying that with the present prices of agricultural produce, I do not think the rate of wrtges 100 high (cheers).— This movement has originated simply from the conviction that the present supply of labour is altogether inadequate to the demand, that it is altogether unequal to the beneficial employment of the capital that is seeking investment ; a state of things which is obviously prejudicial to the private interests of every member of the community, be he rich or poor, and which is also manifestly prejudicial to the general inteiv ests, by preventing the development of the resources of the settlement and retarding its' progress. (Cheers). The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously. Mr. M. B. Hart, after affirming strongly the want of labour, said the next question to be considered was, the quarter whence labour was to be obtained. He was connected with the Committee which had endeavoured to collect inforfovmation on this subject. They had experienced considerable difficulty in ascertaining the exact state of things in Port Philip. In consequence of the demand for labour, inquiries had been made as to the desirability of importing labourers from China. Whatever might be the peoples' opinion of the utility of this kind of labour, it was clear that the general feeling in this settlement bad hitherto been against such an importation.—(cries of " oh, oh ! and " hear.") Gentlemen might say "oh ! oh !" but there was no doubt that such a feeling had been displayed at the recent elections, and at other meetings also. At one meeting, attended by about 70 inhabitants of Christchurch, a proposition to that effect had been negatived. Certainly, then, the project, whether beneficial or not if adopted, had not been generallyfpalatable here—(hear, hear). Well, the next idea was that of procuring labour from England. And, at first, that struck a great many people as the most likely quarter —(hear). If means could be found, if time did not press, and other circumstances would allow, that kind of immigration, it was believed, would prove the most beneficial—(hear, hear.) But it must be remembered that labour had now risen in value in England. The Emigration commissioners could no longer fill their ships with the same ease as formerly. It was only under the pressure of bad circumstances, that even the poor could be easily persuaded to leave their homes aud relations in England. Labour was now better paid than a few years ago in the agricultural districts of England, Moreover, it would take too long to obtain a reply to any demand for labour from England. Labour was required urgently this coming summer, to get in the harvest, so that capital now lying idle might come into employment —(hear). Now the next quarter was Po"rt Philip, the land of gold diggings, so celebrated for vapid fortunes, great wealth,"and at the same time, a good deal of misery. The Committee already mentioned had endeavoured to extract as much reliable information as possible froi^| S many sources, including many private letters"' kindly communicated to them by persons here receiving them. The deduction arrived at certainly was, that probably a number of persons of the right class might be induced to remove hither, and supply the want of labour here. The inhabitants of Nelson, on receiving similar information, were taking steps to despatch, a a vessel to Port Philip for this purpose. The captain of the "• Spray," had expressed at Nelson his decided opinion that many agricultural labourers might be obtained if the advantages of these settlements were properly represented to them : some, because, having too small means to get up to the diggings with their families, and therefove, unable to work there, would willingly come here; some, because the climate disagreed with them. One objection made was, that we should only get counter-jumpers, quilldrivers,'perhaps convicts, and other objectionable immigrants. But if a proper agent were selected, he thought this danger might be avoided, and Aye might at any rate obtain a great pre-'' ponderance of good, useful labour. At the same time, ho would willingly aid in carrying out any more desirable plan of obtaining labour which any one might suggest—(hear). He moved, " That this meeting has reason to believe that a considerable number of such laborers,

especially those having families with theui,would willingly remove hither from Port Phillip, if the advantages to them of so doing were well set before them, and if other legitimate inducements were held out." Mr. Sutcliffb was induced to second this motion, by the contents of private letters which he had received, informing him that many labourers who went from hence would be glad to come back, if they had the means —(hear.) Therefore he had been led to come forward here. lie had heard it discussed, whether England or Port Philip was the best quarter to get labour from, but from England it could not be got in time for next harvest, while from Port Philip he thought many might come, if part of their passage were to be paid, or other proper means adopted. Mr. BitAY asked Mr. Hart whether it was intended that we should furnish the passagemoney of proposed immigrants from Australia, and what hold we should have on them when they arrived ? —(hear.) They would be free to go elsewhere, and we should be the sufferers, not the Agent who sent them. He himself had brought labourers out from England, and was £80 out of pocket in consequence, besides recommendations for passages, which would perhaps swell the amount to £150. Who would advance money for the passage of immigrants if he had no security for their services ?—(hear, hear.) Mr. Hart had expected to be asked this question, though not at this stage of the proceedings. The idea entertained by the originators of this discussion was, he believed, not to advance money for passages, because many would be ready to pay their own. Theie were too many calls on the colonists' pockets just now, for Town Halls, roads, and other immediate wants, to expect any large contribution towards immigration. But he thought advertisements might be published and circulated, and an agent appointed, who should give the necessary information as to the chance of employment to parties wishing to come here. That plan would not be very expensive. But if that did not succeed, a more expensive plan must be adopted ; for labour you must have ; labour was the life'and soul of the settlement—(cheers). If labourers did leave their masters, they must do the best they could. He believed that if they had good masters, they would generally stay with them —(no, no !) The Chairman begged Mr. Hart to confine himself to a simple reply to the question asked. —(hear.) The Rev. W. W. Willock remarked that as yet, this meeting had no " reason to believe" as asserted in the resolution that good agricultural and pastoral labour could be obtained from Port Philip. On the contrary, he thought such labourers have every inducement to stay there— (hear.) Mr. Caverhill said he believed good labour was worse paid and worse fed here than in any other colony in the South Seas —(much laughter.) Mr. M'Laren said that, having recently arriM sed from Port Philip, it had been suggested to him that he might give some information on the matter—(hear.) He had never seen a good working man out of employment there. There were many liewly from England unemployed; but they were of the sort that were no better at the diggings than an old hen scratching, and they would be the same here— (hear, aud.laughter.yH'e wished to warn the meeting of this, in order to prevent them incurring unnecessary expense. He had been a considerable time at Geelong, and a fortnight in Melbourne just before coming away ; and he saw no good working fellows but what were well rewarded. There were certainly some agricultural labourers with young Atmilies, who had no means to get to the diggings ; but of course they would not have the means to get here—(hear, hear.) New arrivals were certainly much put to it at first; they lived at Canvass-town, paying the Government ss. a week for leave to put up a tent. In answer to questions from several gentlen iiien, Mr. M'Laren said that common laborers * got from 70s. to 12s. a day, and mechanics from 20s. to 25s ; flour,was about£3o a ton, beef Bd. per lb., mutton, 6d. to 7t\. There were no good labourers out of employ; but by sending a paragraph to the Melbourne papers, holding out the inducements of a home in this country, you might induce a few who had means to come. The Van Diemen's land people had a regular office opposite the wharf, with a paid Agent

offering free passages. That colony was very handy to Melbourne, and known to be.healthy. Those who hoped to bring labour here, must open an office and give free passages, or perhaps half-passages, and then, if care were taken in the appointment of a really good Agent, some might be obtained ; but we must not expect too much, as there was no real surplus of good labourers of any description in Port Philip—(hear, hear.) Mr. Wolley expressed his diffidence in acceding to a request which had been made to him to furnish the meeting with any information on this subject possessed' by him, because he was a stranger and unused to speak in public, and also because his opinion differed a good deal from that of the preceding speaker—(hear. He had been six months in Port Philip; and he believed a considerable number of useful labourers might be obtained from thence. He had seen 50 people of a hardworking class npply for work at an office in one morning. He would suggest, too, that Port Philip was not the only place, and perhaps not the best place, to procure labour from. At Sydney wages were not so high, and many Germans arrived there, paying their own passages, who might be induced to come on here. But it would only be in the course of time that any large quantity of labour could be obtained: some might come first, and others be induced to follow them. But they would require to be helped, say by a loan towards passage-money to be repaid out of their labour. Other colonies paid for the passage of laborers, and why should not this ? If it was not worth paying for, it was not worth having. There were two classes who might be obtained: those who, having just come out, found a difficulty in getting up to the diggings, and those who had failed at the diggings. An agent should be appointed to obtain them. Other parts of New Zealand were about to adopt the same plan. At Nelson and Wellington he had strongly recommended its adoption, and so he would here.—(hear, hear.) Mr. J. Bealky inquired what class of men they were, of whom the speaker had seen fifty apply for work in one morning ? Mr. Wolley said that the particular work applied for was that of storemen, moving heavygoods about. They were mostly strong, ablebodied men, whether young gentlemen or of other classes. hi reply to questions from the Rev. W. W. Willock, Mr. Wolley could not tell whether ' Chinese labourers could be obtained from Sydney. He had seen 30 of them employed on an estate where he was, cutting timber, boating, and unloading ships, and they were highly valued. He thought it not absurd to imagine that they might be found desirable and useful here. He"did not know how the climate might suit them. He bad seen many working at Sydney, and their labour was highly valued there— | (hear, hear.) 1 Mr. J. H. Wallace, (of Wellington,) dcs- ! crihed the manner iv which many laborers had I been abstracted from that setthiment in its | early days, simply by means of an agent, for the service of capitalists in Van Diemen's land ; j and added that the plan now proposed was in j the course of adoption at Nelson and Wellington. The eXpenss of bringing laborers from Sydney or Melbourne to New Zealand would be £5 per head, without provisions, if for a good number at once. Mr. M'Larkn, in answer to further questions, said many persons had come to him in Port Philip to inquire about New Zealand, and he had recommended small capitalists going to buy laud, but not labouring men, to remove hither. He had seen many Chinese working : they were no better at the diggings than so many old hens scratching—(great laughter). They could make no headway at ail: they might do as cooks and shepherds. They were satisfied with less at the diggings-than other people. They lived on a little rice, and so on ; they will live where an Englishman would starve —(hear). Mr. Hart drew attention to the account in a Melbourne paper of a public meeting in that town, presided over by the Mayor, for the purpose of subscribing£so,ooo to supply the wants of the poor in Melbourne. £ 10,003 were ' raised in the room. A labourer there with 10.<. !or 15s. a day was not so well off as with the current wages here. Mr. C. 3. Fooks, without any wish to oppose the object of this meeting, though it would be a waste of time to attempt to get labour from , Port Philip; and some other quarter should bj

looked to. He had constantly written to relations at Melbourne, which he had only left 14 mouths ago, to get them to send labour here; but the reply was, that they did all they could, bui iv vain, because the labourers were too well off there. It would be better to think about some other place to get labour from at once. Though he was no advocate one way or other about Chinese labour, he would mention that 2 vessels, each containing 200 Chinese labourers arrived in Melbourne while he was there, that they were all taken up in a week, and that he had not heard a single complaint against them —(hear.) A desultory conversation here took place, in which Messrs. J. Bealey, Fooks, Wolley, Guinness, Reader and Rees, took part, as to the comparative rate of wages, and cost of houserent, water, and firewood, in Melbourne and in New Zealand. The Chairman remarked that this was the gist of the argument; and that the whole result of the meeting turned upon the resolution now under consideration. He therefore encouraged the fullest possible discussion of it— (hear, hear). Mr. Packer pointed out that many, who might not now be termed good agricultural labourers, could easily become so, with a little instruction. Many persons, now successfully .cultivating land here, did not know one end of a spade from the other when they began. He had known a bone-grubber become a good agriculturist, and a carpenter an excellent gardener— (hear.) Counter-jumpers, even, might learn to grow potatoes. One of the first agriculturists in England, Mechi, was, he believed, originally a cabinet-maker. The main thing was, to obtain men who had some intellect, which could be applied to any work they had in hand. Perhaps it might be atsome inconvenience and expense, but it was most desirable to get some men, who either were, or could be made, agricultural labourers—(cheers). The Rev. W. W. WiLLocxhad never yet seen a man not accustomed to agricultural labour who was worth his wages at that work. He still thought the assertion in the resolution was not proved —(hear.) • Mr. Sotcliffe said he had a son aged 19, from the Manchester Grammar School, whom he would back to plough against anybody in the colony —(hear.) Mr. Bray, to bring this discussion to a practical result, would move the following amendment :— " That this meeting is informed that a considerable number of such laborers, especially those having families with them,would probably be willing to remove hither from Port Phillip, if the advantages to them of so doing were well set before them, and. if other legitimate inducements were held out." Mr. Joseph Brittan would willingly second this amendment, because be thought it an improvement on the resolution. The information on this subject was very conflicting ; and though he placed rather more reliance on the conclusions of Mr. Wolley, from what he had observed, than on those of Mr. M'Laren, he must allow that there was not evidence sufficient before the meeting, to justify them in adopting the resolution. He believed the Committee who prepared the resolutions were by no means wedded to the exact words, but on the contrary were desirous of inviting the fullest discussion of the matter, and would even support amendments or new resolutions, if more in accordance with the result of the discussion —(hear.) Mr. Reader and Mr. Wakefield, as members of the Committee, confirmed this statement. The amendment and resolution were then put, and the amendment carried. Mr. PnicHAun, in moving the third resolution, dwelt on the urgent want of labour for the next harvest. Accounts were very conflicting as to the possibility of getting a supply from Port Philip. But il* we could obtain it, the sooner the belter. Mr. Studholme. who had recently returned from that colony, informed him that he bad while there received many enquiries about New Zealand, and that it was more highly thought of there than perhaps it Ucst'ived. There would probably be a good deal of voluntary immigration thence. But if we were to do any thing towards it, we should not he In-hind the other settlements—(hear.) lie moved, "That it is desirable that a list should be formed of applications fov such labourers, stating the number and description required, the kind of woi-k to be done, term of engagement,

amount of wages, rations, Sec, offered ; and that should the applications be sufficiently numerous, an agent be selected to endeavour to engage the labourers required." Sir Thomas Tancred seconded the resolution. Although., perhaps, he was as yet unable to understand many of the public questions in this colony, he fully concurred in the advisahiJitv of any measure for increasing the supply of labor : a measure which must be beneficial to the laborers as well as capitalists, because the labourers, as soon as they should become independent of wages, would themselves require assistance from other workmen. (Hear.) There is an unlimited market for produce in Australia, and a most fertile soil to grow it in here : but production is fettered by the want of sufficient labour ; and if capital is expended uselessly, the means of production is continually decreasing ; it is like killing the goose with the golden egg. With abundance of labour, on the other hand, we might produce great prosperity from our fertile land and other resources now lying dormant. His own opinion rather inclined to doubt the possibility of getting a sufficient supply of labor from Port Phillip, but he was ready to give any assistance he could towards making the attempt (hear, hear). The resolution was put, and carried. Mr. Packer said that the fourth resolution, which he had been asked to move, contained the practical pat t of the thing ; he complained of the apathy shewn on this subject by some persons, who happened not to feel the immediate want of labour. We should try to obtain it now, with plenty of time before us, or we should be left worse off next harvest than even the last. We should not be too particular about the exact sort of labour : if not strictly agricultural laborers, the immigrants would be able to release persons of that description, now forced by the want of labour into the position of stockmen, &c. (Hear.) Intelligent laborers would be more valuable than mere agricultural laborers, such as were like serfs of the land in England before they came out. If labour could be got from Port Phillip, it would infuse life into every pursuit in the settlement (hear). It was not necessary to lose any money by paying passages ; the immigrants' notes of hand might be taken for the amount. He moved, " That a Committee be formed to receive applications for labourers ; to choose and instruct an agent for the above duty; and to take the necessary steps for the reception and distribution of any labourers that may be induced to migrate hither." Mr. Lean said he had such notes of hand, from English immigrants, in his possession, which he would self at half their amount for cash (hear, and laughter). Mr. J. Brittan could make the same offer: but this would not prevent him from assisting in any attempt to procure more of that labour which we so much wanted (hear, hear). Mr. Reader seconded the resolution. This was a simple practical proceeding. The resolution only bound the meeting to appoint a committee to try and carry out the proposed experiment. Let them appoint good working members upon it, who would select a good agent and give him right instructions. We might depend on a good committee, and leave matters of detail in their hands. (Hear.) The resolution was put and carried. Mr. Wakefield then moved, and Mr. Reader seconded, the following resolution, which was unanimously carried :— " That the following gentlemen be requested to act as a Committee to carry the above resolutions into effect, and also to take any step they may think advisable for extending the same experiment to the other AustraliairColoivies -.—Sir T. Tancred, Mr. J. Brittan, Mr. S. Bealey, Captain Westenra, Mr. Packer, Mr. J Bealey, Mr. Deans, Mr. J. Hall, Mr. Caulfield, Mr. Cass, Mr. Luck, and Mr. Hart, with power j to add to their number." The Chairman congratulated the meeting on the manner in which their deliberations had been conducted, and on the practical result. No one could doubt the want of labour in this settlement, and the only difficulty was to determine what might be the best" quarter from which_ to obtain it. He heartily hoped the committee now appointed might be successful in their exertions in the quarter to which they were to be directed, (hear, hear). A vote of thanks to Mr. W. G. Brittan, for his kind and impartial conduct iv the chair,was

moved by Mr. Bray, and seconded by Mr. J. Bealey, and carried by acclamation. Mr. W. G. Brittan briefly acknowledged the vote, and expressed his willingness at all times to lend his aid to any objects of public interest in this settlement; and the meeting then broke up, at about 5 o'clock.