Issue Details: First known date: 1995... 1995 [Review] The Pearl-shellers of Torres Strait : Resource Use, Development and Decline, 1860s-1960s
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'This is a detailed and thorough study of a fascinating aspect of Australian history, based on a meticulous examination of written records and oral testimonies obtained through interviews in both Australia and Japan. The author depicts the relatively small-scale industry in the Torres Strait that was focused primarily on obtaining pearl shell for overseas markets where it was used to produce buttons. The theme that emerges most strongly throughout the book is the nature of the weaknesses that are evident in the industry's history. These include its reliance on cheap labour from an indigenous population whose aspirations were rarely accommodated, refusal to address seriously the issue of sustaining the resource over time and lack of success in developing a viable marketing strategy.' (Introduction)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

  • Appears in:
    y separately published work icon Queensland Review vol. 2 no. 2 September 1995 Z1094567 1995 periodical issue The environment is arguably at the centre of the inherited identity of Queenslanders. This issue of Queensland Review provides commentary on issues surrounding Queensland's need for environmental reform. It takes a further look at the historical identity of Queensland and many of the contributors to its art, politics and literature.  1995 pg. 84
Last amended 13 Oct 2023 12:11:04
84 [Review] The Pearl-shellers of Torres Strait : Resource Use, Development and Decline, 1860s-1960ssmall AustLit logo Queensland Review
Subjects:
  • Torres Strait Islands, Queensland,
  • c
    Japan,
    c
    East Asia, South and East Asia, Asia,
Newspapers:
    Powered by Trove
    X