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Chinese societies in Australia in the 18th and early 19th centuries

Summary

Chinese living in Australia formed a number of different types of societies, tongs and associations. Many of these acted as benevolent organisations that provided financial support, assisted in conciliation and arbitration of disputes and raised money for disaster relief in China and depending on the organisation political activity in China. They can be loosely grouped into five main categories: county (membership based on place of origin), clan (membership based on family and surname), political (based on political position on Chinese affairs), trade or business (involvement in particular business or trade), pan Chinese (open to Chinese from any place or origin, including religious). It was possible to be a member of multiple organisations.

Related Concepts

Published Resources

Books

  • Yong, C.F., New Gold Mountain: The Chinese in Australia 1901-1920, Raphael Arts, South Australia, 1977. Details

Images

Title
Chinese Students' Club
Type
Photograph
Date
1893 - 1933
Place
Australia - Victoria - Melbourne
Details

Sources used to compile this entry: Yong, C.F., New Gold Mountain: The Chinese in Australia 1901-1920, Raphael Arts, South Australia, 1977.