2011 - Theses - Flinders University

Becky reads the small notice again: ‘The Agent General for Queensland calls for interestedparties to apply for passage to Brisbane. Westminster Chambers, 1 Victoria St, London SW.’Queensland! She heard some Castledines went out there, once. It won’t hurt to enquire, shethinks.The package arrives promptly. ‘Free passage for young women … for domestic service …intending to reside permanently in Brisbane, Queensland,’ she reads. ‘No prior residence inAustralia … Medical examination and certificate required.’ 34 Thirty-five ain’t young, but I’msmall and fit enough, if I can find the right doctor, and there is that wide smile breaking overher face.Becky’s friend Agnes is up for the challenge, too. Together they pore over the AgentGeneral’s advice for emigrants. ‘Shorter Emigrants Guide to Australia’ with quotes from RevAeneas MacKenzie. Pictures of smiling well-dressed women with tall strong men beside andtow-haired children around them, sheep and kangaroos, and views of the several two-storeybuildings in the tiny city of Brisbane. The smile hasn’t left Becky’s face.‘Let’s write to him, then,’ she says, to her friend’s answering grin, ‘and put in a picture ofus both too.’‘Dear SirI would like to apply to immigrate to Brisbane, Australia. I am twenty-five years old, froma respectable family, and have good references as a domestic servant from Mrs. AliceTrafford of Islington …’27