Applications by youths for assisted passage as farm apprentices - Barwell Boys Scheme (GRG7/6)

The British Boy Farm Apprentice Scheme was approved by the State Government on August 2, 1921. After negotiations with Commonwealth Government concerning funding, it was launched by the then Premier (the Hon. Sir Henry Barwell) during his visit to England early in 1922. The first group of boys arrived in June 1922 (1). The scheme was devised to replace in some measure the six thousand South Australians who died in World War One.

Lads (generally in their late teens) emigrated to South Australia and were assigned to a South Australian farmer as a 'farm apprentice'. Candidates were required to provide references as to character, obtain their parent or guardian's consent and to pass a medical examination. Farming experience was not mandatory. Once arrived, boys were paid a wage from which their passage money was to be repaid. It was hoped the boys would save enough money to buy land and commence farming their own account as adults. Nos 1-1475. 13 metres.

For index see the Special List to GRG 7/6 in the Research Centre. Index available online (Keyword Search) or click Consignment ID below to browse.

For further information on the Barwell Scheme see GRG 7/80/8; GRG 7/80/11, GRG 7/80/12 and South Australian Parliamentary Paper No. 60 of 1924.

Statistics Relating to British Boy Farm Apprentices as at October 1, 1924:

Total arrivals in South Australia: 1,444

Of these 1,444:

- 84 absconded, 114 left with the consent of the Government, 467 transferred employer, 19 were expelled from the Scheme, 9 died and 5 were repatriated to Britain (2).

Sources:

(1) South Australian Parliamentary Paper No. 60 of 1924, p.1.
(2) Ibid., p.2.