1884. Queensland. Seizure of the "Forest King" by H.M. Gunboat "Swinger" and subsequent proceedings in the Vice-Admiralty Court of Queensland in connection therewith.

Folio. Staple bound in printed self-wrappers, bookplate to upper wrapper, staples rusted. 64pp. Brisbane, Edmund Gregory,

With the bookplate of A. Mc.Innes.

Scarce. The capture of Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islanders to work on the cane fields in Queensland was effectively slavery. The practise was sufficiently widespread that Kidnapping Acts were passed in 1872 and 1875 and boats such as the H.M.S. Swinger were sent out to patrol waters to disrupt the trade. This early report on such activities concerns the Forest King which was captured on a recruiting voyage off the coast of New Guinea. It was carrying 39 men who had signed labour contracts. Even though a govenment agent was aboard the Forest King, officers on Swinger remained unconvinced the men fully understood the nature (ie extent) of the contracts.

 

The work begins with the reprinting of telegrams regarding the seizure of the Forest King for breaches of the Kidnapping Act, followed by correspondence between the Government Agent on the "Forest King",  the Immigration Agent and Police Magistrate. A copy of the pleadings are also incorporated. Of real interest, and comprising the bulk of the document, are the transcripts of the trial which over the 2500 lines of exchange over four days, provides significant detail of the practice. Ultimately, the judge found for the defense and the Forest King  was awarded costs.

Stock Code: 213353