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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Sedgwick Migration Scrapbook 3: Reports and Articles on The Sedgewick Boys' Arrival in New Zealand |
| Date | Mar-May 1911 |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Newspaper |
| Reference | RCMS 31/1/48-68, Box 1, Volume 1, Folder 3 |
| Library / Archive | Cambridge University Library |
| Collection Name | Thomas E. Sedgwick's Migration Scrapbooks, 1910-1914 |
| Description | Correspondence and newspaper articles reviewing the reasons behind, and events of, Thomas Sedgwick's experiment. The poor working opportunities in Britain, and the potential of greater employment prospects in New Zealand are referred to continually as the main influence and rationale behind the scheme. Letters and newspaper articles relay accusations that the boys sent were "failures of the old country" and that New Zealand farmers were considered to be 'white slavers'. Letters written by Thomas Sedgwick also give detailed descriptions of the natural flora, fauna and agricultural industry of New Zealand. Many of the newspaper articles relate to the economic and unemployment crisis in Great Britain at the time, giving reports and statistics on public debt and over-population. |
| 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) | Arrivals: Ports and Early Experiences; Motives for Emigration |
| Country (from) | Great Britain |
| Country (to) | New Zealand |
| Places | London, England; Taranaki, Wairarapa, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand |
| Ports | Liverpool, England; Otago, Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nationality | English; European |
| Ships | SS Authentic |
| People | Sedgwick, Thomas Edward; Taylor, T E; Millar, J A |
| Keywords | emigration scheme, shipping, children, agriculture, farming, labour, employment, government, farm school, clothing, colony conditions, port, apprenticeship, politics, unemployment, economics, push factor, population, journey conditions, wages, administration, contract, nature, climate, road, factory, industry, livestock, trade, council, widow, poverty, housing, Trade Union, poor laws, charity, depression, tax, debt |
| Language | English |
| Copyright | Cambridge University Library |
