Mechanics per Nimrod

Arrived Launceston 5 July 1830. List with links at bottom.

By the Ship Nimrod of Launceston from China, Manilla & Batavia
5 July 1830
Achok
Ayong
Avong
Agin
Ayon
Athon
Ayon
Ashie
Iyah
Assaam
Ahin
Ayube
Awan

J Franklin
D Dempey
J Carvel
Wm Williams
J Grant

(Libraries Tasmania Names Index, CUS30/1/1 , p.24)

AN ERA.
The Captain of the barque Nimrod has brought us a new batch of Emigrants, of a novel character, in this Island. They are from the ancient Empire of China, and are of a very useful description, being all carpenters. It is understood that the Captain or Supercargo, wishes to keep them under their own charge, and employ them in making such work as they understand, and which may suit the people generally.
Many of our mechanics consider them as likely to injure the trade, – that is to say, that they will be very likely to reduce the prices of cabinet work: nine men in one branch certainly will effect some reduction in those branches upon which they are employed, and however displeasing such fall in price may prove to a few, it will prove of great benefit to the many. Take for instance chair making :- in Sydney, a good cane bottomed chair can be purchased for from 12s. to 15s ; here the very same article is sold after being brought from thence, for 27s. 6d. to 30s., and even the commonest cedar chair, with a wood bottom cannot be purchased for less than 20s. each, and most other furniture in like manner, while the material costs 4d. per foot from the merchant, add 1 1/2 per foot for sawing, amounts to 51/2d.
We are therefore of opinion that although it may hurt a few tradesmen by a reduction, such fall in price will still leave them a very handsome remuneration for their labour and may in the end prove beneficial, for enormous profits are not always put to the best of purposes.
The Captain or Importer of these Chinese has no doubt conferred a benefit upon us by thus bringing to the labour market, nine workmen, sober, industrious men, as we are given to understand, and as there is always plenty of employment for neat cabinet makers, we are certain that with proper management the benefit will be mutual to both workmen and employers.

Launceston Advertiser, 26 July 1830

Launceston Advertiser, 2 August 1830

A short time ago, a vessel (the Nimrod) which arrived at Launceston, brought some Chinese mechanics who were employed by the townspeople, and we believe have proved an acquisition to the place. Nevertheless the principle is to be entertained with caution. In the neighbouring colony of the Mauritius we find that these very Chinese are become vagabonds and burdens on the public.
Hobart Town Courier, 22 Janaury 1831

Awaan, joiner Launceston, 1837-46
John Aquie/Aquia, shopkeeper & cabinet maker, Launceston, 1830s
Maybe John Wife, shop keeper, Launceston, 1830s
Aiang, died October 1834, Launceston hospital RGD34/1/1 no 3683

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