Why did Chinese people come to Australia? (Tracey)
Unlike most European diggers who came to Australia to start a new life, the Chinese did not intend to stay in Australia. The first Chinese came to Australia hoping to make good fortunes in the colony they described as the ‘New Gold Mountain.’ Large numbers of men from the southern province of Guangdong came due to economic difficulties back in China. In addition, political upheaval forced many to emigrate and provide for their family back home. Most were contracted to agents and wealthy merchants who sponsored their voyages and in return, these men would have to face years of difficult repayments or compensate by giving the gold they find. During the 1860s, 20% of the men on the goldfields were from China.
Although most who came to Australia were men, a small proportion of Chinese brought their wives and children during the nineteenth century. As Australian-born children of these families grew to adulthood, their parents would try
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Chinese Australian musicians are creating their own local style by taking advantage of their exposure to and contact with Western musicians, instruments and musical arrangements.
Chinese Marriage in Australia (Emily)
The uncertainties of life in the Australian colonies during the gold rushes and immigration restrictions after Federation meant that very few Chinese women came to Australia. In 1857 the Chinese population was over 25 000, only three of whom were women. By 1881 the overall Chinese population was around 12 000 with only 259 women.
Some Chinese men wishing to marry would arrange a bride through relatives at home, for whom a fee would be paid. The wedding for the two families would take place, but with a stand-in for the absent groom. Others developed relationships with European women, some were casual, while others led to interracial