This anti-conscription leaflet reflects a fear commonly voiced by the labour movement that employers would exploit any labour shortage caused by conscription to import cheap foreign labour and drive down wages for all workers. They feared in particular the introduction of 'Asiatic' and 'coloured' labour, by which they usually meant Polynesians or 'Kanacks'. But the same exclusions could apply to others. In 1916 the arrival of a group of Maltese refugees caused controversy and widespread protests from a nervous labour movement.
Such fears were not without foundation. This leaflet cites a speech reputedly delivered by the Nationalist MP Edward Heitmann, whose German family origins were also emphasised: "Send every man out of Australia, even if they had to import black, brown or brindle labor (sic) to do their work."
The graphic shows a map of Australia, with the 'Freedom' at its heart pierced by the sword of 'Conscription', so that it bleeds over the south-eastern states. Pressing to the north is a horde of Chinese figures, with their dragon flag flying.
Bottom Painting by John Hamilton Mortimer showing from left: Solander, Banks, Cook, Dr John Hawkesworth and Lord Sandwich
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