The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Title Sedgwick Migration Scrapbook 11: Arrival in New Zealand with Boys, 1911-1912
Date Aug 1911 - Jan 1912
Document Type Report; Newspaper; Correspondence
Reference RCMS 31/1/216-243, Box 4, Volume 1, Folder
Library / Archive Cambridge University Library
Collection Name Thomas E. Sedgwick's Migration Scrapbooks, 1910-1914
Description Newspaper articles, correspondence and reports refer to the arrival of Thomas Sedgwick in England on his return from New Zealand, praise given to his scheme, and his plans to organise further parties. Other papers describe trends in British emigration at the time, Australasia's need for labourers, and the pull factors of emigrating to Australia and New Zealand. There are also memoranda referring to the British Emigration Committee's support and promotion of British school boys pursuing a career in the overseas dominions; especially Canada. The types of professions sought after and the eligibility regulations are noted. Accompanying documents refer to farm schools established in England to aid boys making the transition by obtaining experience prior to emigrating. Unemployment rates in Great Britain are also commonly reported on, with statistics presented graphically in newspaper articles.
Biographical Note / History In 1911 Thomas Edward Sedgwick organised for a group of 50 boys to be sent from England to New Zealand on board the S.S. Authentic before the outbreak of the First World War. They were sent as part of an experiment to ascertain whether young British boys might help alleviate a shortage of farm labourers in New Zealand and offer a solution to the declining levels of employment opportunities in the crowded British cities. They were trained in all aspects of farming life, and the wages they earnt were paid to the Labour Department while the boys were awarded weekly pocket money.
Theme(s) Responses to Immigration; Politics, Legislation and Governance
Country (from) Great Britain
Country (to) New Zealand; Australia; Canada
Places Alberta, Vancouver, British Columbia, Winnipeg, Canada; Surrey, England; Johannesburg, South Africa
Ports Wellington, New Zealand; Melbourne, Victoria, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Nationality English; European
People Sedgwick, Thomas Edward; Cullett, Harry S; Guinness, Rupert
Keywords emigration scheme, shipping, children, agriculture, farming, labour, employment, government, farm school, colony conditions, apprenticeship, politics, unemployment, economics, push factor, population, journey conditions, wages, administration, depression, immigration, labour union, working conditions, trade, land, teacher, artisans, racism, advice literature, agent
Language English
Copyright Cambridge University Library