Listemann part 2

This Page forms part of the overall Zebra-Project

By clicking on the following Link a list of all Zebra-Project tabbed pages will be displayed.

Gustav Julius LISTEMANN (Part 2)

Gustav, a Berlin teacher, published

Meine Auswanderung nach Süd-Australien und Rückkehr zum Vaterlande; ein Wort zur warnung und Belehrung für alle Auswanderungslustig

(My emigration to South Australia and return to the Fatherland; a word of warning and lecture for all would be emigrants)
This book, written after Gustav returned to Germany, tells of his Adelaide experience in 1851.

Lothar BRASSE translated & transcribed this book in 2018

Heidi BRASSE was co-translator & proof reader.

To return to: Lothar Brasse summary

To return to: Listemann part 1, Listemann part 3

CHAPTER 6

Adelaide and its immediate surrounds, the most important places in the Colony.

Earlier I had described where the chief settlements are to be found. The most important one is of course the capital of the colony Adelaide p.61 and its immediate surrounds. The city is around 7 English miles from the sea and 3 from the mountains and lies on both sides of the banks of the Torrens. An important older part is the governor's residence which is situated on a slight rise within a rectangular reserve. It has a northerly garden all of which is enclosed by a perimeter wall of about ¾ of a mile in length. Further along are the Post office, the exchange, court house and several churches. The streets intersect each other in rectangular fashion and those heading towards the river are almost fully lined with houses. Those streets along the southern side on the other hand have many clusters of houses which are separated by unbuilt open land and in the beginning, I was totally confused by the sporadic clutter of housing. In the beginning, I was puzzled as to why the buildings were

-103-

arranged in such tight, messy and muddled way but soon found out that the reason had to do with property costs. In the busier parts of the city the property prices increase considerably so that land a foot wide by 100-foot-deep fetched 5 £Sterling and more, which is why those not so well off decide to build in the outlying parts - but even there the land prices are fairly high.

I was offered land 90-foot-wide and 80-foot-deep for 58 £Sterling and I heard later that it was sold for 74£Sterling. When you hear, that someone, had used my suggestion and built 12 cottages there with associated yarding as well as a carriage way between the house rows, it gives you some idea of the small size of many houses in Adelaide. Afterwards a new law was passed to make sure that all properties are to be fenced which is good because all streets are then properly delineated so that the newcomer doesn't wander about aimlessly or worse, doesn't venture into a water filled ditch. The only lighting in the city is from the guesthouses because the publicans are obliged p.62 to maintain a lantern there throughout the night and even though there are numerous pubs, the lighting is not sufficient due to the spread of the city and it is high time to change the legislation so as to improve street lighting.

-104-

The most important street for traffic here is Hindley (Hindly) Street and its extension Rundle Street. Both are raised and graded, and its wide and in part raised footpaths are paved with slabs of granite for the pedestrians.

This is where the more significant stores are found and any new immigrant approaching from the port will no doubt be surprised by the rows of shops which from their external as well as internal display of wares can be favourably compared with the most elegant shops that Berlin has to offer.

There, where Hindley and Rundle streets meet they are crossed with the no lesser King William Street which begins opposite the Governors' residence, is 60 paces wide and divides the city from north to south. Here, in comparison to the rest are the grander buildings such as the new treasury, government buildings, the soon to be erected impressive post office, law courts and barracks.

Most houses in the city are small and single storied, containing mainly one and sometimes three rooms because the English don't like to

-105-

live with anyone but their own family in the one house. Many of their new homes are already two storied and mostly built of solid masonry. The Germans living in Adelaide are mostly in the eastern part of the city and their plight is easily gleaned from the names they have given their buildings which although they are meant for a single family, they house many. There is for example the (Lange Jammer) 'long lament' and 'short lament', 'German lament', 'Rosenlament' so named after its owner the joiner Rosenthal and yes, there is even a ' severe misery'.

Lament and misery prevails and the small and dirty hovels are often witness to a painful yearning by its owners to the distant homeland with bitter regrets of their reckless abandon in search of a better life.

p.63 Because Adelaide is bound by a barren treeless plain to the south and west, it is not sheltered from the frequent gusts of dust laden winds coming from these areas. A second, more problematic issue is the lack of potable water which is why the inhabitants are forced to drink water from the Torrens and depending on the distance from the river and the time of year, are forced to pay 5 to 10 pennies (Groschen) a barrel. The status of

-106-

water carriers is therefore fairly high. These use a sturdy horse harnessed to a two-wheeled cart, with a huge barrel secured to it which they drive down the Torrens to fill to then serve the individual households with water. The Torrens has plenty of water which stays fresh and tasty in the barrel but in summer It all looks a bit bleaker. The river is then so depleted that there is no water cover in all parts of its bed so that water has to be scooped from individual deep holes and puddles into the barrel. The influence of the hot sun however then makes it lukewarm and it takes a bit of willpower in order to refresh oneself.

North Adelaide, the second, smaller part of the city is in a favourable location. Here it is spared the dust by being on the right side of the Torrens which meanders between spreading parklands on both parts of the city, and along an outstretched southern rise. In the north, it is spared from the hot winds due to its elevation and it isn't short of palatable water. Because of these advantages, many English choose to live there and many fine country houses with beautiful gardens are found there along the road facing the Parklands. This, as well as the gothic styled church and nearby park p.64 which stretches along the side of the city extolls a much

-107-

friendlier presence than its sister opposite. In the valley between the two portions of the city they had retained the large eucalypts which constitute the so-called park.

In the centre of the depression is the deep river bed of the Torrens over which there is now a narrow wooden bridge because the swollen river has already demolished masonry ones on two occasions. Since however to cross the river one has to travel either half a mile upstream or downstream and because it is impossible to cross during the rainy season I had noticed that work had already begun on a new bridge in the hope that this time a crossing was chosen that is not susceptible to the forces of floods.

In close proximity to the city there are numerous villages as well as individual homesteads. Hindmarsh (so named after the first governor of the colony) had already been mentioned by me earlier as well as Bowden (not Broden) the village opposite and across the main road. Not far from there, and further west one can see Thebarton Bridge (not 'Taverton Bridge'sic.) and a bit further south from there or one hour from the city is 'Blackforest' ('Schwartzwald). On the southern side of the city is 'Unly' (sic.) next to

-108-

it the newly formed 'Fullarton' a half hour further south within a romantic valley is 'Glen Osmond' with its lead and silver mines. In another valley which is fed by 'Brown-Hill-Creek' - a stream that never dries up and is popular with Adelaide's more affluent because of its beautiful setting. To the east of Adelaide, and almost joined to it is Norwood and at the foot of the hills is the quaintly built and significant Kensington. Along its side, but more north-easterly is Walkerville (not Wockeville sic.) and Klemzig.

Apart from Adelaide there are many smaller towns which despite having less than 10 to 15 houses should at least earn p.65 some status and recognition. It seems that if a spot is found which is considered suitable to create a town, one should at least erect a pub, as well as a store that sells all sorts of bits and pieces and venues for some of the more important tradesmen such as baker, butcher, smith, joiner and tailor before it can earn the name 'Town'.

With this in mind, important and significant towns in the north are 'Gawlertown' with a steam mill which lies nearly 30 English miles from Adelaide. Ten miles further north is the rambling township Lyndoch Valley (not 'Lindocqvalley' sic. ) and another 10 miles further is Tanunda which is mostly settled by

-109-

Germans. In the south, there is Macclesfield which is also settled by many Germans.

Strathalbyn is close to Wellington which is located where the Murray enters Lake Victoria, Brighton in the Bay which is popular as a bathing resort and because of its location sought out for summer stays. Noarlunga and Willunga are situated on a fertile stretch of land which have recently received favourable attention from immigrants.

Settlements established by the Old Lutherans include Bethany and Lobethal about 40 miles to the north, Hahndorf 20 miles south and Klemzig 1 ½ hours from Adelaide.

END OF CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

The population of the colony, the English and the German colonists and their cultural and social harmony.

The colony has about 150,000 souls, 20,000 of which live in Adelaide. By far the largest proportion are English, the lesser German and in between are a few feeble tribes of

-110-

indigenous. If one were to judge the English nation on the state of the colonists in Australia one would, in my opinion, make an inexact one because the virtues of the colonists seemed to me to be low here, whereas their faults can be registered as high.

A sense of profound and lively nationalism p.66 prevails in respect to laws, political inclinations, diligence and dynamism and these are all attributes applicable to the English settlers in South Australia. They also display a lofty arrogance as well as partaking in a condescending disposition towards any foreigner.

They have a healthy disrespect for anything that isn't English. They are cold and calculating in their pursuit of their own advantage without considering the ruin of others. By not showing any virtuous examples themselves, the Germans will soon be on par with their English cousins and their shortcomings may even surpass them so that it should come as no surprise then that they haven't attempted to minimize the prejudices levelled against them by even the lowest of Englishmen who judge them with a degree of contempt. Only a few have succeeded at having their scientific or artistic skills acknowledged as valid and worthy and it should be seen as a timely sign of mutual

-111-

understanding between both nations, when the office of Justice of the Peace was recently awarded to a German.

The English colonist is part of a mighty and respected state as indeed is the Colony and through this connection he expresses his love for the motherland and boasts of its privileges and likes to hear others single these out in praise and respect. He follows with utmost fervor the decree and implementation of laws as executed by those charged to do so and a single constable is capable of maintaining peace and order should this application ever be necessary. The English colonist has the aptitude to get the best from a situation and to cleverly use it to his advantage. Cunning and conviction to apply his practical know how so as to extract in a most profitable way so as to yield a profit as best as he can which is an attribute he is well aware of. Should he be working, he does so with all his strength. Here he does so without smoking or singing or gossiping, but just works - never overexerting himself, he allows himself plenty of time to recuperate, finishes the day punctually as soon as the working day ends (evenings at 6 pm Saturdays at 4) and he mocks the Germans who have to catch up lost time p.67 and to toil an hour longer.

The English worker seldom works for a wage.

-112-

Instead he loves to take on a task for a fixed fee and I have noticed that employee and employer both support this system because that way the work is completed quicker and costs less in comparison to a daily rate and that way the worker can earn more through his industriousness. The English are hard to befriend and it takes a lot of effort to win his trust and friendship which in turn leads to total commitment and trust and one can depend on them in all sorts of relationships. He is not assertive with his advice but will give it freely which one can be assured will be good. Yes, I have even found that once his interest has been roused, one can build on his willingness to help even further, which is more than can be expected from some of our German compatriots.

Inside the homes of the English colonist I often found a certain degree of restrained daintiness, no matter how humble their belongings. Their children too, especially the little ones were mostly clean and well-dressed but then again, the English housewife has only to worry about her domestic duties, as her husband would consider it beneath him - even scandalous, to send his wife into the workforce so as to make ends meet. This she does well - and he can rightly expect a well maintained clean and orderly household. The

-113-

wife will also wash and press on Saturday evenings so that his need for dazzling white garments can be met.

The German immigrant has denounced his fatherland. If, however he retains just some sense of it, he tends to repress it and succumbs to his new-found nationality and culture, which some do willingly because they are ashamed to admit to being German and would rather be English. One prominent gentleman told me that at a public gathering he began his speech with the words 'I may be just a German' which became the most popular point of discussion by the English p.68 audience and is something which wont of course do anything to advance his esteem in their eyes.

Others who have been in the colony for a longer period have already become integrated into the English culture and way of life. To a great extent they have mostly forgotten their mother tongue, become fully integrated and have thus found a new fatherland in Australia. Some retain their association with the land of their birth which they carry lightly and may even question themselves 'what is the German fatherland'?

Instead, the once heralded German strictness, German education, German loyalty, German

-114-

'gemuetlichkeit' as revealed in its entirety slowly gives way to a lifestyle enjoyed by the majority of residents in South Australia and yet, despite all this, and even if only tenuously, they still honour the German name.

I blame the demise of nationalism amongst the Germans on the fact that the Germans lack a sort of strong bond in an intimate way, and cooperation in trade and mutual help or support would help in this matter. But there is little or nothing like it. There is some spirit of cooperation through the church amongst the Adelaide Germans but even here the attendance is very poor and the example set by the religious English means that the German immigrant wont at least work on Sundays so as not to cause any trouble.

The pastor of the German community, Kappler, is only saved by meagre offerings from some of his flock. All this, even though he is described as faithful servant of god-and so different from many of his German colleagues who with zealot like zeal attempt to out-do each other and gleefully rejoice when they successfully pilfer a member of a congregation from another flock. p.69 There isn't even a German School yet because those that have some capital prefer to send their children to the English school and justify their

-115-

decision as being progressive and that they at are at least learning English.

A health foundation has been established and moves to build a German hospital has begun in earnest and as my latest news tells me, a concert to support such a cause has already raised 150£. As far as socializing is concerned there are no other venues other than the pubs. The reading society that was started about two years ago has started to decline and is hardly functioning now probably because of the meagre offerings collected to-date even though their brochure had promised so much.

I had taken much pleasure from the 23 June 1850 founded German Liedertafel which was something that inspired me so much and filled me with so much joy that I joined it with great enthusiasm. It will not only help unite the Germans here, but will also put aside any acrimonies with the English who also have an extraordinary love for this male choir.

The newly founded 'Sued-Australische Zeitung' by its editors Muecke, Schomburgk and Droege had always seen it necessary to report truthfully and with frankness and to represent the perspective from the German's point of view which is of course most beneficial. Although its longevity has recently

-116-

been under a cloud, they have an abundance of material in front of them, so let us hope they don't shy away from reporting any of the shortcomings which painfully greets the newly arrived German settler here.

The freshly arrived immigrant steps into a friendless and alien land. Hardly has a German ship arrived without attracting the curious but it also appeals to those that seek and meet them and to give friendly counsel for the new arrivals. Some of the older Germans colonists here that had earlier hastened to offer their newly arrived compatriots advice and help now leave them to their fate and have withdrawn from their humanitarian endeavours because they had on more than one occasion been met with scorn and mockery. I met for example the family of the blacksmith Diekmann from North Adelaide p.70 and saw in both him and wife persons that would open their hearts for the wellbeing of their compatriots. In their sons too, I saw healthy, strong and willing workers; but they all told me that a big portion of the immigrants were all possessed with conceited arrogance so that it wasn't worth offering any advice. It made a pretty repulsive impression on me when shortly after my arrival in Adelaide I was warned from all sides to beware of this and that person because

-117-

they only tried to better himself at my expense but it was often those warners that others had later warned me about.

Sadly though, many of the warnings were not superfluous as many have had the bitter experience of being bitterly ensnared in deals concocted by older colonists and as a result lost their worldly belongings.

The effrontery of the swindlers goes even further in that not only do they take pride in their deceptions but are also of the belief that they have broken the newcomer in, that is, to have toughen him for any future condition he may face here. Indeed, they act as if to harden him so that he can emerge from his depressed and miserable state a stronger and wiser person.

Maybe they are right because those that have lost everything will, in his despair seek out their inner strength and thus emerge from their misery which may then trigger the will to improve their luck forever and because they will have learnt from bitter experience to be more cautious before attempting the next venture.

-118-

But as often as not, such deceptions can particularly drive the family man into abject misery and poverty. He loses all hope. Grief and worry destroy his strength. He lets everything go the way it wants and in taverns he tries to drive away the agonising thoughts that plague him. He feels justified in using every opportunity to cheat others by paying like with like.

I have especially found p.71 life in the Colony as far as morality is concerned to be very

-119-

negative. Even men whom I had regarded as honest and upright became somewhat bitter and despondent after only a short stay here in Adelaide and thus allowed themselves to be exploited in unethical ways.

They must have many role models. There are men here who don't find it difficult to choose ways to increase their wealth in unlawful ways. Some of these are even highly honoured because of their wealth and were sent from England to Van Diemen land and after their punitive time there was over, settled over here and from the 'schooling' they received there had an excellent advantage.

He who is cunning enough to outsmart others is regarded as a clever bloke. The more honest one that has made a loss is labelled a fool. He who conveniently declares himself bankrupt has gambled successfully.

Usury is the order of the day here and the so-called 'shillings men' - those that lend 1 £ charge a weekly interest of 1 Shilling. That is from 20 yearly loan gives 52 in interest, giving them a profit of 250% and such people can be found amongst the English and Germans.

On top of this are all sorts of other forms of debauchery applied in copious amounts,

-121-

which on the one hand is as a result to the deprivations which many had to endure in the outback wilderness. Some who chose to go there did so without incurring any debt, whereas others became intoxicated with Gin and Brandy in order to forget their plight. The many pubs are therefore rarely without patrons and the publicans make a healthy profit despite the high outgoings.

Businessmen in Adelaide have assured me that it wasn't uncommon for men that had spent half a year in the wilderness, came to town with 16 to 20£ which p.72 they spent 5 £ on clothes and the rest of their cash is squandered on questionable associates and slutty whores that in their effrontery far surpass those of the cities in Europe.

Come Monday and they plead with the shopkeeper if they could hand back their clothes for half the amount they had originally bought there. In exchange they would get their well-kept rags back which they had deposited with them earlier. With the few remaining shillings they would return to the 'Bush', blissfully aware of their heady yet costly days.

There are a few intellectual delights in Adelaide. I have never been to the theatre but according to the promotional posters there

-121-

was a lot on offer. This happens especially between 7 and 11 and even scenes from Shakespeare's dramas ('Shakspearschen Dramen' sic.) that were performed but incurred many complaints about the boundless immoral content.

Open concerts were attended often and numerously and the orchestra even has some Germans members there playing with great passion and enthusiasm. At times, however the choice of music leads one to wonder whether to admire the audacity of those playing or to respect and admire the patience of the audience. The expectations of the latter are of course easily met as we ourselves at the Liedertafel have found out on more than one occasion.

There is no shortage of (civic) balls here for the enthusiastic dancer but as far as decorum is concerned I have no idea as I have not witnessed any. From what I have heard however, they are quite casual and relaxed.

Finally, I found that every time I visited the 'Courthouse' a number of curious people had gathered there to observer the public hearings.

Since every police matter has to be dealt with within 24 hrs. anyone who likes this type of entertainment can do so every morning. It is

-122-

after all very interesting. I remember attending one of these cases which because of the person implicated, aroused interest amongst the German community. One German implicated for participating in a profiteering racket p.73 received a clip around the ears in public with many witness's present. After the complainant had confirmed the facts of the case the judge asked the accused if he had any objections- to which he got the unflappable and somewhat bemusing answer: 'Nothing' because I hit him in all consciousness'.

He was charged to pay court costs and to enter a 6 month 5£ caution and swear under oath to promise not to engage with the victim.

In another bizarre twist to this story concerned one witness insisting that before he gave his testimony the judge had to promise to pay him.

I add another tale of a more serious nature which should add as proof as to how easy it is for Germans in the English colony to become guilty and be punished severely under the English laws. A young friend of mine had a piece of land that he was farming which hadn't been fully fenced. Some horses had caused damage there overnight so he had

-123-

shot at them at daybreak to scare them away but in doing so had accidentally killed one of them.

The owner, a butcher in Adelaide was most upset and bitter at his loss and would not entertain any private compensation, vowing to bring the culprit to the gallows.

Even though it would not have come to that, transportation to VanDiemens land was, - in theory at least, a conceivable outcome. In any case, it was a possible punishment for this sort of malicious damage, and enough for poor ' H' to fear. A warrant for the accused's arrest was duly issued but because he was in hiding until the evening of the second day p.74 he was, even though he eventually presented himself, handcuffed by the constabulary and thrown into jail among hardened criminals. We followed the ensuing proceedings with great concern. The plaintiff had to provide the evidence that the accused was really the culprit and at the same time it was in the interest of the constables to investigate the culprit because the more success they have in this matter, the more chance they have of getting a promotion and hence pay.

Two days earlier they had already investigate the shot animal in detail but

-124-

found no weapon in the home of the accused. Two neighbours were summoned as witnesses and everything hinged on their statement.

At last the hour of the hearing had arrived. Our friend was summoned from the guardhouse to be seated on the defendant's bench. Oh, what change one night in jail had made with the constant thought of the dangerous situation he was now in. The normally fresh and reddish complexion was now cold and pale, his hair now hung messily around his head, and his clothes looked crumpled and cast-off. The poor soul confided in me later that he had spent a horrible night in jail because despite any attempts at trying to keep his distance, his fellow inmates tried everything to impose their debauchery onto him.

Luckily the result of the court case went better than we anticipated. Even though one of the constables had tried his hardest to place all blame on the accused, the witnesses, under oath had cast some doubt, as to the true identity of the accused being made uncertain by the poor morning light. One could see the pleasure-delight even-in the judge's demeanour who promptly declare the accused free due to a lack of evidence.

-125-

The judgement over a crime (in criminal matters) is made by a jury which is convened every quarter year.

One of the favourite past times of Australian colonists is riding and driving. Investors arrive to the stock exchange on horseback , as do Judges, lawyers and clients to the court house, potential bidders to the auction houses as well as the doctor who also visits his patients on horseback.

p.75 The horse is used by the baker, butcher and milkman to deliver to their customers. Old and young, gentlemen and ladies, laymen and clergymen, they all ride and mostly at a gallop because it is claimed that this gait is the least strenuous for the horse. I have often admired the way shepherds control their horses with self-assurance and confidence to keep their flock together. Mount and rider seem as one and know no obstacles and where necessary to bring back any scatty freedom seekers.

To drive one uses a 'cabriolet' or 'Gig' set up for 2 people. To transport 4 to 9 passenger a two-wheeled cart suspended on blade springs is used. Of the latter there are always several on the way between Port and Adelaide from 8 in the morning to 4 o'clock in the afternoon and they depart at quarter hourly intervals.

-126-

To signal a pending departure the drivers elects to blow into a small trumpet. One drives on these carts swiftly but uncomfortably; the seats are narrow and since they are open one is susceptible to the elements which is why the recently introduced four wheeled coaches harnessed with four horses are much preferred. Even the more outlying districts from Adelaide are now linked via intermittent outposts, one route even connects to Melbourne and from there goes on to Sydney.

END OF CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

The fate of the German immigrant with special reference to the status of skilled workers.

What then, does the German immigrant expect in Adelaide? As I have highlighted earlier, most of them experience some form of disappointment. p.76 Most at risk from disenchantment are those that have built their hopes up high either from their academic qualification or from their mercantile or artistic skills. For the young merchants, artists or literary figures there is no hope if they aren't strong in the physical sense because in the short or long term they are reliant on it.

Young merchants fluent in English may hope to have a better chance of earning a few shillings in a business or on a commission basis or with a bit of luck find permanent employment there. To establish one's own

-128-

'Grocery business' not only requires a significant capital outlay but they are already very well represented here. Even though some Germans have been successful in establishing such a business, others have lost their possessions or have amassed an insurmountable debt. I have found young people in Adelaide with expertise and enterprise who nonetheless eke out a miserable existence.

Soon they may become go-betweens, peddlers, door to door salesmen, or run around collecting debts for others, started this or that but no permanent line of work was to be found. Finally, there may be no other choice but to go to the 'Busch' that is, outside town to find work, and good luck to them if they found a job as a shepherd, a drover, 'hut keeper' or similar.

Harder jobs such as farming or mining may not suit them because of their physical inadequacies and if they haven't learnt a trade, they have no other choice then, than to find work that best suits their demeanour.

No wonder then that one hears about the aspiring theologian who literally grazes a flock of sheep in Australia. Doctors of medicine also in a similar dilemma may tend to their scabby patients or instead of the scalpel they wield

-129-

the slaughter's or kitchen knife. Pharmacists not able to work in a chemist's shop prepare 'beef' or 'mutton' meals for their hungry partners as an alternative.

p.77 On the other hand they may work as brickies labourer - (often jokingly referred to as the most educated position here in Adelaide), lime burning or mixing mortar. If they can't find work to paint signs, the artists are happy to paint the walls of houses whilst sculptors find work breaking quarry rocks. Lithographers and engravers may work in the copper mines. Those dandies once proudly walking with a cane or fashionable riding crop are now forced to herd with an oxen whip and the once elegant clerk now goes door to door with a basket selling sausages, or loaded with a few pounds of coffee, rice, and sugar to sell and that way try to start a business.

Here you might meet a former hussar lieutenant carrying a belt around his neck carrying a box with offerings such as lollies, soap and various toiletries, or the cuirassier

-130-

who has found employment in a German pharmacy where his long legs are of benefit for the sick because he can supply them with medicines quicker. A third, once a member of the guard carried out the services of a house and kitchen maid, whereas a fourth, the son of a general who took the risk and spoilt his erect posture by digging the land.

I could, for all of these examples provide you with names, but will refrain from doing so, so that their relatives in Germany are spared the pain. Musicians may find some employment if they could instruct on a diverse number of instruments, especially the pianoforte but outside of Adelaide they would have to visit their students on horseback. A previous piano teacher from here did just that. After his attempts at farming failed miserably, he happily taught the piano and was thus able to feed and save his family. Economists, Inspectors of police, economic managers, bricklayers and carpenters are not essential in Australia. If these gentlemen wish to practice their vocation p.78 they have to follow the plough and harrow, dig with the spade, use the scythe and sickle, or start afresh using the brickie's trowel, axe or hatchet, because neither farming nor building require any higher qualification, whereas there would be

-131-

opportunities for the clever shepherd where their cunning and flair could lead to generous wages.

Most of the German immigrants have a trade and one would think that there was sufficient work available for them, which, in most cases however, is not the case. I will, shortly name those trades considered most important, and point out which of those are favourable or unfavourable.

In general, I must say in advance that a great proportion of fabricated goods come from England and flood the market. They are so cheap that a craftsman here in the colony cannot compete thereby stifling his and any many other's trade prospects here.

One finds here in Adelaide large shops with clothing of all sorts, hand tools, porcelain, glassware, iron dishes, furniture, saddles and harness equipment, Gold and silver ware etc. and with some with bits and instructions missing so that one is left in the dark as to how to assemble it, as some of our society (think he means 1848 emigration society) found out at great loss.

Some capable smiths or machinists had started their trade by producing wagon axels, which in their eyes seemed a lucrative proposition, but as soon as they had

-132-

established and opened their business, the flood of cheaper imported products from England killed their enterprise because they simply could not compete.

One should not think that in Adelaide there is a shortage of professionals of any kind but instead, one could say that there is an oversupply. In the interior of the country there may be a need for a tradesman to settle, but even those that make the move there have to be prepared to do some form of farming p.79 because if no one calls on their trade skills they are unable to exist.

Finally, when there is a lack of cash and the high interest rate makes it hard for the impoverished tradesman to start his own business, or when the slightest mishap reduces his income, he is subject to the usurer and then has to use all his strength to service it. Bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, blacksmiths, coachbuilders, plumbers, tanners and brewers would be best suited in Australia because they stand the best chance of getting work.

In recent times the trend is to build with masonry and the stimulus to build in general is promoted - albeit still in its infancy - by three 'building societies'. Adelaide can thank its building boom for their development, and

-133-

those immigrants wishing to stay in Adelaide would be wise to join them.

For this purpose, one takes one or more shares and every week pays back 5 to 8 shillings (per share). From time to time numbers are drawn and the successful ones receive 40 or 80£ Sterling credit which they must use to build a house once they had proven ownership or rental of a property. They pay back the money until the borrowed sum has been covered and until such time, the house remains mortgaged to the building society. If he is unable to use his share he can sell it on to willing builders with a slight profit or his number is once again publicly auctioned. The advantage for the building society member is that as soon as the share is drawn, he receives a cash sum to build a house. This he may sub-let which in turn helps repayments, allowing him to live rent free and eventually own the house outright.

Earlier I mentioned that our German bricklayer p.80 has much to learn from his English counterpart. In Australia our German adage about 'brickie's sweat' doesn't apply here as every job is paid pro rata with the advantage of quick and good work.

What I have seen from English brickwork is that it is solid and good. In Germany, the

-134-

carpenters and bricklayers go hand in hand whereas in Australia it's the joiners that take charge and control of the whole building process. It is not just the doors and windows nor is it limited to just fitting out the mantelpieces but he also sets out the roof and lays the flooring.

All the timber is available from the timber yards. Timbers are sourced partly from the country, or from Sydney, van Diemen's land and Europe. From Sydney come the Cedar slabs, from van Diemen's land the palings for casings and roofing and from Europe Swedish the pine. (Baltic Pine)

There is not much work for furniture making. Tables, chairs and sofa frames are made sturdily from Cedar-wood often fitted with turned legs, although a large stock is already at hand and there are already magazines full of furniture.

Since the joiner manages the building works the carpenter is superfluous and is therefore required to look for alternative employment. If he has any means he might join forces with 3 or 4 robust men, obtain an annual government license (he wrongly calls it 'Leisten') for 5£Sterling to fell trees on government land and to split them for fencing or cut them for the building industry. Only

-135-

those with the required permit are allowed to put axe - to- tree and anyone caught without the necessary paper work will be punished, but this law is often disregarded.

For the sawing and splitting anyone can employ as many as he wishes. To make a success of it p.81 the entrepreneurial contractor has, apart from good tools also has to have a sturdy two wheeled cart, as well as four to six oxen. He must also have the means to support his business for three months because it is necessary to send the cut timber to be sold in the city where the timber merchant who will sell it, asks for 3 months credit. Another job the carpenters could do is 'fenzen' (fencing), a job which is still paid reasonably.

Farriers, blacksmiths as well as cartwrights can count on employment partly because the demand for an increase in numbers for carriage works will require their services but also there are opportunities in the country to establish a workshop. Similarly, I found that plumbers (tinsmiths) were busy in Adelaide as well as in smaller towns in the colony because in the English household there is a lot of tin ware. In dairies too, they use a lot of large tin bowls for the safe keeping of milk.

Unfortunately, the supply of this material is in

-136-

decline and since the low supply means that prices escalate enormously, house holders and farmers are forced to make do with their damaged goods.

Within the profitable business of tanning and brewing there are often people employed that lack any knowledge of the craft and so it makes me think that those that are knowledgeable and well trained in this matter would be most welcome and so one of my fellow passengers easily found work. There is a very large tannery here in Adelaide and because the skins are cheap and the tanning agents are plenty in supply, one can easily explain the prosperity of its owner. The quality of the leather in Australia was given high praise by those in the know. In no way inferior is the standing of the brewery owners despite the high taxes they have to pay. The 'Colonial - Ale' is slowly outselling the English imports and even though a mug of beer costs 5 pennies a lot of it is drunk. Distilleries p.82 are outlawed and any illicit distilling is punishable by deportation.

Shoemakers, tailors, bakers, butchers, locksmiths, saddlers, glaziers and barbers are, as far as Adelaide wages are concerned, in second rung, being a lot less when compared

-137-

to the top earnings. This is because they are in sufficient quantities.

In Australia the men mostly wear high lace-up shoes over which during the rainy period they wear knee high gaiters. The so-called 'Buschschuhe' or bush shoes have ¾ inch thick soles with little metal horseshoe-like reinforcements at heel and toe. The making of these require a lot of physical strength, at least that's what I heard some Germans bemoaning this type of work.

A pair (of shoes) is waged at 12 to 14 Shillings. A less robust or slighter version is made by convicts and are imported from van Diemen's Land costing 5 to 7 Shilling a pair. Tailors have little prospect of working because the stores are fully stocked with all sorts of clothing and the English wear their clothes until he has to change them for new ones. The more discerning English gentleman would preferably engage a more artistic French tailor to create his attire. From the tailoring fashionistas on our ship only one of them found work as a jobbing tailor for casual repairs and mending in order to earn a bit. His income was hardly sufficient to feed him and his wife so the latter took up a servant position which at least gave them free accommodation and so could at least make

-138-

ends meet.

Bakers and Butchers seldom find a position let alone accommodation in an established business because they already have sufficient staff. We had a very capable man on board who went to great lengths to obtain work but any hope of finding work in a slaughter yard was shattered so he tried to eek-out an existence by making sausages. But even here he struggled to get by because from his earnings he had to pay his rent, wood, light and also had to pay two people to walk around p.83 Adelaide to sell his produce.

On top of all this his sellers sometimes returned with their baskets still full and if then, the contents were spoilt due to the heat, his profit from several days previous was all gone.

Butchers are not allowed to slaughter in their houses but instead, they have to take the animals to the city's slaughter house by the Torrens where persons employed by the government do the slaughtering. The cattle are not struck as it is done here, but stabbed in the neck from a scaffold above them and then skinned and their entrails removed by labourers. The butcher only needs to pick up his meat to sell in the city, paying 1 £ Sterling per beast.

-139-

A pound of beef costs 3 pence, mutton 2 pence, veal (calf meat - kalbfleisch) 4 to 5 pence and pork 4 to 6 pence. Incidentally the butchers often incur great losses due to the heat and blow flies.

Locksmiths have little future in their trade of making locks since those imported from England are preferred on new houses. They might however stand a chance with work in the mining industry where blacksmiths are still needed. Saddlers are better off. Despite the many saddles that are sold at auctions. Custom-made harnesses made here in the colony are much preferred and considering that farmers prefer to work with horses rather than oxen there won't be a lack of this type of work.

Paperhangers have little prospect in this line of luxurious work and instead usually make mattresses. One of my acquaintances assured me that he makes a handsome sum of money but as I surmised a few weeks later when he offered several items for sale, in order - as he says, - to make several urgent payments meaning that his claim of making a handsome sum wasn't as truthful as he made out. There is no shortage of glaziers and barbers.

In the case of the former, if they are able to combine glazing with a glass-importer they

-140-

should do well and the latter if they can have a little shop front in their room they too should be able to earn a decent livelihood. p.84

The English are well known for not being a friend of wearing a beard and they do in Adelaide as they reputedly do in England, in that when they meet a bearded German they greet him with words of abuse or with mocking gestures showing him the way to the barbers. They love to see the German adapt to their customs and to be shaved by a barber or to shave himself, just as they do.

Coppersmiths, machinists, potters, basket makers have very little work - if any in Australia. Firstly, they lack the materials which is why a talented coppersmith who as a result of his artistic works here has found some fame but now has to decide if he has to work for a plumber. Machinists may have better prospects at a later stage when the proposed railway is built or if coal is found in the colony and then the machinist may even start his own individual business. Up until now their skills have not been in demand as witnessed by a skilled hard-working optical instrument maker who was well known in these circles and who as I was leaving Adelaide worked with a mortar and pestle for a German chemist.

-141-

As yet here are no potteries in Australia even though there is plenty of good clay available, especially in the vicinity of Macclesfield. Basket makers cannot find suitable material otherwise their work would be well paid. From these short remarks, we can be enlightened enough to gauge the fate that awaits the German tradesman. Their plight would be even sadder if the wives didn't have the ability to take on laundry work and thereby support their husbands. German maids are sought after and earn 5 to 6 shillings per week which, if they were accomplished to work in a commercial kitchen it would rise to 8 shillings. Their Irish and English sisters are not particularly desired.

I would just like to mention just one more instance which, in my mind attests to my claim that p.85 many Germans in Australia are very unhappy. The last items which married couples relinquish must surely be the symbolic seal of their union, their wedding rings. Nevertheless, an Adelaide goldsmith showed me a large number of just such rings that were sold to him.

END OF CHAPTER 8

-142-

CHAPTER 9

About the Natives (Indigenous)

Dispersed amongst the Europeans here, there live the individual small tribes belonging to the indigenous race of Papua Negros. The Government has taken care of them, by creating numerous sections as reservations so that they can live there unhindered.

A number of tribes live in close proximity to Adelaide, and it is even normal to find several huts occupied by black fellows - as they are referred to

-143-

by the English - in the parks that divide the city.

Their external appearance is repulsively ugly. The face is broad, the nose thick and lumpy, the mouth large, beset with huge snow-white teeth that remind one of wild animals. The main body is fairly strong when compared to the arms and legs which are thin and long. Depending on whether it's a happy or sad occasion, their whole body is smeared with a fatty ochre, chalk or ash so that one may initially question the true colour of their skin which on closer inspection is black-brown.

The black hair to the head and beard shines because of the copious amounts of fat that is rubbed into it and the red or white paint is often thickly applied. There are no artistic tattoos as often found in other cultures, but instead their chest, back and arms carry deep, circular incisions made by sharp shells.

They dress (clothe) themselves by wrapping a mat around P86 their body. Over their shoulders they wear a rug skilfully sewn together from sheep or possum skins.

Near Adelaide many wear scraps of European clothes which therefore make them a sight to behold.

I met a youthful beauty whose denim dress swept the dust half an Elle behind her, and a black dandy (sic) whose attire consisted of a white shirt, a vest, cravat with collar and white gloves which in all might be something worn by our best dressed young men.

-144-

There is by the way a law that no indigenous may enter the city unclothed and if he attempts to do so, a constable would expel him immediately.

The government has taken to distribute woollen blankets amongst them. Their domed or vaulted dwellings consist of branches covered with bark and reeds to protect them from the rain. These so called 'worleys' (sic) are preferably erected in wind-still areas, and the low access opening placed on the leeward side - in other words mostly facing north-east.

Inside a fire burns all night in part to keep the insects away but also because they fear the dark. It is for the first reason that the indigenous declined to move into stone buildings which were especially built for them and they fervently resisted any attempts to force them to do so. For the same reason they like to change their habitat regularly (from time to time) because of vermin - particularly fleas, which gives them much grief when they stay too long in the same spot. In the hotter seasons they don't even bother to erect their huts, and one sees them camped around a fire, comfortably smoking their pipe, joking and laughing like children and carry out all sorts of mischief.

Their nourishment is basic and whatever nature offers them seems quite poor. Those living close to Adelaide are a bit better off as they often receive offcuts from the abattoirs, and the little offerings from the whites enable them to buy tobacco and bread. Opportunities arise where without too much effort he can earn a few pence, for example when a rider arrives into the city and is looking for someone

-145-

to mind his horse, there is always a "Jemmy" (sic.) nearby to whom he can entrust his animal. I have also observed how the men collect branches from the tangle of timbers from the Torrens River bed at low water level, which are then sold by the women in the city for a few copper coins. Not seldom therefore does one encounter a Black carrying a bloody mutton head or proudly looking at the bread he had just purchased.

The men hunt and fish. Kangaroos have already been driven off but Opossums and birds still abound. They are adept at climbing even the tallest trees and with cunning easily prize the latter from their burrows with their spears.

On the Murray they fish with spears and nets. Apart from that, they enjoy snakes, lizards, woodworms (witchetty grubs) as well as roots and herbs for their meals. It is often the poor women that solely depend on these latter meals as the men just leave them to fend for themselves, unless there is an abundance of meat at hand.

During the day they roam around either singly or in small groups

And if by chance they meet a white they call out "give me copper" or approach a colonist to beg.

They rarely leave without anything and some colonists have introduced not to reward those begging with a piece of bread, some cabbage leaves or even the leftovers of their meal until they have completed a little job. If the black is hungry enough he quickly learns that to carry water, split some timber or make himself useful in some way he will

-146-

be rewarded.

But he doesn't understand why he should work if he is not driven by hunger

This is a complex issue and a concept that has so far not been overcome, that is; to engage the indigenous in a meaningful vocation on regular basis.

So far, from my personal observations and from what l've heard from others the indigenous Australians don't have that wild bloodthirsty character as had been attributed to them. Instead they are receptive to friendly dialogue, thankful for any help and tend to resemble enthusiastic children rather than inhumane barbarians.

Hundreds of whites live in isolated parts of this vast country without fear for their safety from the indigenous, who incidentally are disinclined to accept any influences of civilization. To date, all attempts at integrating them has mostly been unsuccessful and they continue their raw and wild ways, with actions we would consider repulsive.

True, one does hear from time to time of bloody deeds which they have done to whites but one goes too far to categorize them as the lowest class of humankind who barely rank above animals in intellect.

They do not- as so often witnessed, - lack the ability to comprehend and they are reputed to have excellent powers to memorize.

To date they have had little benefit from civilization, so how can one expect them to embrace it? Their

-147-

burden is often the result of necessity and dictated by their culture.

As far as any bad relations with and proven guilt against the whites is concerned, onus of guilt is often against the whites instead of the blacks firstly because they are often treated with gross disrespect which in turn triggers some form of reprisal.

So, when it comes to bad relations with the whites, they generally resist any attempts at assimilation or to embrace civilization and to date any attempts to do so have been fruitless.

From descriptions by persons that have lived amongst them for some time, in outlying areas of the country one finds an amazing similarity between them, p.89 their customs, habits and general way of life all seem alike and some minor differences may be explained by geographic variants.

The Indigenous divide themselves into small tribes which can have as few as 20 members.

The oldest members of the tribe as well as those that have brought honour to themselves through brave or heroic deeds and whose wisdom and counsel is often sought during disputes may have some influence but generally speaking, they do not have a chief.

If a Decision that affect the whole community has to be made, it is only by the men and women are excluded. The women incidentally live in a poor state of degradation and are virtually kept by the

-148-

men in oppressive slavery.

They have to carry all the belongings on their journeys and their burden is only made worse due to their small children whilst the men just carry their weapons which aren't even used for the benefit of sustaining their women. They even leave it to the women once they have reached a resting spot to build their huts and to forage for food. Since these poor women can neither throw the spears nor are they able to climb trees in search of opossums so that they are mostly dependant on a diet of meagre roots and herbs unless her man decides to throw her a bit of meat.

Their skills may be seen by the woven baskets and mats as well as the often artistically sewn rugs made from pieces of Opossum skins. As thread they use sinews from kangaroos which they take from the tail of the freshly killed animal and a sharpened bone is their needle.

The ways and means by which they are enticed (woo lured) by the men already hints at slavery.

A young man reaches puberty p.90 once he has a beard, but the first growth of beard tufts is ripped out and at the second growth he ventures off, accompanied by two or three companions to the vicinity of a neighbouring rival camp to lie in ambush and to abduct a woman he desires. This act of woman stealing is the cause of wars between tribes especially if the man refuses to return the woman. Some men have three to four wives and it is claimed that they jealously guard them.

They don't tend to love their children very much,

-149-

because it is usual to let only one girl survive and we were even offered one little boy for one shilling.

The weapons of the indigenous are very simple and consist of 12-foot-long, very skinny, light spears and short clubs (Waddies). With the first they hit their target from a considerable distance (from 30 paces they can hit a hand sized piece of paper) but if the target is further than their arm strength allows, a two-foot-long instrument with a kangaroo tooth secured at the bottom is used is hen nestled against the tooth and can then be catapult to great distances.

They use the clubs for close combats or presumably throw them at their enemy.

One New Holland weapon which however doesn't seem to be used by the South Australians is the "Baumra" which is apparently of peculiar construction so that after being flung and has hit its target, it comes back to the thrower.

It stands to reason that, from these simplistic weapons that their wars can't be very destructive. Preparation for which includes a war dance which each party carries out separately. Throughout which, words and other forms of incitement give each other strength after which the actual battle begins. The two parties face each other along the battle lines. The p.91 weapons to be used for combat have already been agreed upon and if they are to fight with spears the conflict begins after one warrior verbally provokes the opposition and hurls some spears at them until either some warriors are wounded or the spears are broken. Often, amongst

-150-

the melee, screaming women dart amongst them either to disorientate the aiming opposition or to protect their men with their bodies.

Should there be a desire to fight with clubs after the spear skirmish, a warrior from each party and after verbally abusing and spitting at each other, one offers his head, as if to prove the braveness of the others and as if to dare him to hit him. If he is given a mighty hit, he collapses. This doesn't take long and after, he gets up he take his turn at hitting his opponent who willingly offers his head. As soon as this has been accomplished, a terrible yell erupts and the enraged parties charge to engage in hand to hand battle.

When the indigenous have their larger gatherings, which can be as many as 300 people, apart from the war dances as previously mentioned or at other festive gatherings hold their national dance (Corrobries) sic.

These take place at full moon and for these nightly rituals, many precautionary measures are put in place. One party takes care of a hefty large fire as well as preparing the camp with dry twigs and leaves. The guests are received and the many women and children form a large circle into which the men march with a hint of military precision to then settle at its centre.

They are all at their finest. Their whole body, especially their hair is smeared with fat and red ochre p.92 and are then strewn with flame like patterns made from powdered calcium chalk.

As soon as all have settled, one of them starts a

-151-

melodious wail after which, one by one the others join in and once the chorus has reached its loudest crescendo they suddenly all jump up to begin the dance. The women remain in the centre and with their hands beat a fur, either rolled up or tensioned over their knees - the rhythm for the melody. The dance consists mostly of a mix of unusual body poses with a simultaneous movement of arms and legs. Soon the dancers stand on their toes and clap their thigh together, then outstretch one or both arms, or swing a club or green branch around their head at great speed during which time the chant goes on with the dance and from time to time increases to a far-reaching scream. European onlookers enjoy watching these festivities and in a way, feel honoured to witness them.

One can assume that similar festivities have religious meanings. These however are rare and are mostly about their fear of evil spirits, whom they believe influence all life, sickness and death of which they have a blurred understanding. They are convinced that after death they will be turned into white humans.

Should one of them die, they seek out the bad spirit 'Tong Kinjargall' (sic.) by leaping about and making loud noises in order to prevent him seizing the deceased. The funeral procession that precedes the burial of the body can be considered as having the same purpose.

The body is wrapped tightly in clothes and covered in furs and fastened to a stretcher which is carried by 4 strong men on their shoulders. This procession is accompanied by women and children singing in

-152-

mournful song. The procession is slow at first but gains in pace, until the bearers run as fast as they can. Suddenly they stop, fall to their knees and as if (p.93) possessed by the evil spirit, they tear at their hair and thrash about wildly. After this the body is returned and the mourners depart but only after one last yet deafening piercing scream. The women of the tribe as well as the deceased next of kin display their mourning by covering their bodies with a mix of charcoal and grease.

The number of indigenous has diminished considerably since European settlement which is partly due to diseases introduced by the newcomers and partly due to the increasing difficulty of being able to support themselves. If they are not amenable to adapt to farming or industry the race of the coloureds will be totally lost within a few decades. Sadly, any such attempts have had little success perhaps due to the attempts at educating their children in schools, to teach them to read and write and to introduce them to Christianity and the doctrine of salvation.

Instead they should introduce them to light mechanical work or agricultural pursuits and such handicrafts suitable for their immediate needs. If this were done, one would give to those showing promise a piece of land to work and make sure that their industry would lead to self-sufficiency. If this were to be achieved then it might also be possible to spiritually and morally assimilate them.

It would help to at least show the accomplishments this generation had made but alas so far, all efforts

-153-

have been unsuccessful.

In praise to the English government however, it should be mentioned that they take their responsibility towards indigenous welfare most seriously and that they are known to spend significant sums to improve their welfare.

They engage civil servants as 'Protectors' (Protektoren) who look after the rights of the indigenous within the Colony and to p94 ensure that no harm will come to them from any colonists. They distribute food and clothing to their black subjects, they erect schools and employ teachers and it is a pity that no better results have as yet been achieved.

In the past the children of the indigenous after attending classes in the mission schools were left free to go back home with provisions given to them. They were to have these at home but were usually taken by the adults who incidentally also interfered with everything they had learned at school.

For this reason, the authorities decided to provide them with food and board but parents often built their huts so close to the mission that there too they could meddle and influence them on a daily basis - especially the boys, who preferred to participate in the entertainment and activities of their lot.

In addition, the parents are not happy when their children are taken from them. This is because they see no advantage but only a disadvantage because there is growing concern that by attending school their children lose their own, indigenous culture

-154-

and they also see a decline in their authority and respect.

If one could only convince the parents as well as the whole community of the benefits. Certain incentives could be offered, to willingly entrust their children to schools so that they would all benefit from the process of integration.

One more thing; one shouldn't limit -as has been until now- to keep the children until their 14th birthday (girls often leave the school in their 12th year) but one should care for them for longer, boys perhaps seconded to a farmer, a p.95 master (craftsman?) or as a servant and similarly. The girls should be engaged so that they don't have the need to go back to their mob where of course all what they had learned at school will soon be lost. The children are quick to learn English at school, and there is much evidence to suggest that there is no reason to believe that they are incapable to gain knowledge and to apply it rationally.

The language of the aboriginals is reportedly widely varying with strong dialectic deviations and it is also fairly poor in scope. They only have two numbers mätä one and dankull two. Some other words are bedaio father, jaankaio mother, lubra wife, jnankö son, maika daughter, babukko head, kulbko hand, tünja foot, dako mouth, korlo eye, knappo I, ullnu you.

END OF CHAPTER 9

-155-

To continue: Listemann part 3

Edit tags

Adelaide Hills