Stories from Deli

Agreement for Helvetia , Dependency of Deli ,
Singapore, November 26, 1875

We, the undersigned Chinese coolies, hereby acknowledge from Messrs. Lind, Asmus, & Co., agents of Albert Breker, Esq., the several advances in Singapore as placed and written opposite our names before starting for Helvetia, Dependency of Deli, and in presence of the undersigned two witnesses , and in cconsideration theree of we as labourers hereby agree to proceed to Helvetia, Dependency of Deli , and work and labour on the Tobacco, Cocoanut, Nutmeg, and other estates and properties belonging to Albert Breker, Esq,, for the period of one year, under the following conditions:-

First – We agree to work off the money paid as advances for necessaries. We may receive from the above firm during the period of one year; and if the said advances are not paid off at the end of that period, then we agree to work until the said advances are paid off.

Second – We agree to work at the rate of Six Dollars each per month, and should we do no work on ordinary work days – without being sick – such days to be deducted from our pay, in proportion to our wages.

The said Albert Breker, Esq., agrees as follows:-

First  -To house and feed at market rates the said coolies, and provide them with proper medical treatment, and in case of death to have them buried decently and properly according to Chinese observances.

Second – To make necessary advances to the said coolies for their comfort and well-being, and to keep correct accounts between party and party.

Third – To allow a holiday on the first and fifteenth of every Chinese moon to the said coolies.

(Sd.) JOSE D’ALMEIDA.

Justice of the Peace Witness

Witness

(Sd.) F. Yam Song

Names of Coolies             Advances received          Signatures

                                                $

Wee Ah Kow                      30

Kway Yee Hong                 30

Tan Ah Chwee                   30

Low Ah Eng                         30

ChiaJee                                 30

Tan Ah Chow                      30

Chan Ah Teng                    30

Tan Tua                                30

Lee Ah Seng                        30

Tan Heng                             30

Lee Ah Wat                         30

Liang Ah Kong                    30

Tan Ah Chiang                   30

Lim Ah Tak                          30

Koo Cheng Swee               30

Lim Ah Teem                      30

Tay Ah Kong                       30

Teo Ah Hock                       30

Lim Ah Leack                      30

Nineteen men in all J . D’ A.