In 1912 Broome was as much Asian as Australian, filled with the smell of unfamiliar spices and a babel of competing languages. The town thrived on the hugely profitable, and extremely dangerous pearl shell industry, where Asian labour was cheap to hire, and easy to replace. It was a frontier town, where racial tensions simmered uneasily between whites, Asians and Aborigines.In that year, twelve British Royal Navy-trained divers and their tenders were sent to Broome, urged on by a Federal Government deep in the grip of the 'White Australia' policy and anxious to rid the country of the last remaining Asian 'taint'. Their task was to master the perilous art of pearl-shell diving, and overcome the Asian stranglehold on the pearling industry, proving once and for all the supremacy of the white man over the coloured.The White Divers of Broome tells the extraordinary story of this experiment, and its fatal aftermath. It is a gripping narrative, and a window on a past that echoes with many of the same fears, prejudices and hopes as our society today. Pan Macmillan, 2001. A trade paperback copy in near fine, unmarked condition. Seller Inventory # 4498580

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Bibliographic Details

Title: The White Divers of Broome : The True Story ...

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Binding: Paperback

Store Description

Barclay Books is a new,used and rare book store situated in the beautiful historic town of York, Western Australia. York is Western Australia's oldest inland town and being only 100km from Perth it is popular with tourists for it's charming period buildings and scenic Avon Valley setting. We are long time book collectors ourselves and understand the needs of collectors in regards to accurate book descriptions. We welcome any enquiry regarding our stock prior to purchase. Our opening hours are usually 9am - 5pm Thurs to Sun and Public Holidays or by appointment.

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Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Cygnus (WA) Pty Ltrd
151 Avon Tce, York, WA, 6302, Australia

Terms of Sale:

We guarantee the condition of every book as it is described on the Abebooks website. A full refund will be provided for any book returned as being not as described or that does not arrive within 30 days of the expected delivery date. Cygnus (WA) Pty Ltd as trustee for the Barclay Family Trust trading as Barclay Books. 151 Avon Tce, York WA 6302 AUSTRALIA info@barclaybooks.com.au 08 96 411665 ABN 35 274 897 226 Clayton Smith DIRECTOR

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Orders are usually shipped with 3 business days of order. Books will all be securely packaged for shipping.

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