first shipment of coolies from China

[NZBC]

From our latest files of the "Samoanisohe Zeitung" we see that the first shipment of coolies from China has arrived in Samoa, to supply the labour market, the planters there finding it impossible to induce the natives to do regular work. These Chinese are engaged for three years at a monthly payment of 10/ per month. After expiration of the three years the employer has to re-ship them to China, free of charge, at the wish of the labourers. The Government has laid down strict rules for feeding, and the hours of labour (9 hours) per day, also the stipulated number of holidays. They are not permitted to acquire land for themselves or to engage in a business of their own. Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 129, 1 June 1903, Page 2