Posted by Katesa (198.142.5.192) on November 02, 2005 at 20:43:34:
In Reply to: Ah Kuoi, Feung Kuoi, Fung - Samoa China posted by Michelle on October 06, 2005 at 08:49:30:
Coolie Numbers were given to each Chinese that came to Samoa. It was to identify each person. So they were often refered to as the coolies collectively without refering to each person. I guess just like we call the Germans etc.During the time of the German Rule they were brought to be paid workers wherever they were put.I assume that whatever the reason was the Samoans at the time do not wish to be workers under these foreign powers, and so the work needed to be done. I am sure that if the chinese at the time understood what treatment they were going to get, they would not come, unless they were forced to. Many of the lands were leased during these times. I am talking about hundred of acres of land. I have a great compassion of our ancestors and the struggle they went through to bring Samoa back to us. I also have a great compassion of the chinese and other people that came and their treatment. After the 1st world war the Germans no longer took care of Samoa. New Zealand took over. There was a Coolie account in Treasury to meet the costs of repatriation of a number of chinese whose contracts of employment in Samoa has expired. The coolies disagree saying that according to their contracts with the government of Samoa at the time that free passage to Hong Kong will be paid. On top of that each person was to contribute the sum of six pence per week to the Benevolent Fund established by the Ordinance. This is for medical treatment, of the sick, unfit, or disabled. To upkeep the Chinese in Apia, and others. About 62 chinese were listed under that fund. Probably not counting those that died before that. Now Al Chin I think I dont have enough time to tell you all I know so far. But let me tell you about Fung Ah Kuoi that married in 1920. If you like go to a LDS family history near you and order film 1886281 it has his marriage to Mary Faatuatu. Film 1130491 has his death date.
Katesa