Original Contract between Hawaiian Olaa Sugar Co. and Miyashita Haruemon Unique piece of Hawaii-Japan history
[Japan] Labor contract between a Japanese man named Miyashita Haruemon and his wife Soyo who were to be employed by the Olaa [Ola'a] Sugar Company in Oaho as laborers in the cane fields. According to the Volcano Heritage Cottages website, "Ola’a is the Hawaiian word for “lively.” It also happens to be the original name for Kea’au, where the Ola’a Sugar Company leased around 4,000 acres of land more than a century ago. Over time, the demand for sugar grew, and so did the company. By 1902, Ola’a was the largest sugar producer on Hawai’i Island under plantation manager Bill McBride’s leadership.....As for the Ola’a plantation, it underwent a rebranding in 1960, and became the Puna Sugar Company [until it] shut down in 1982." The contract includes the salary of Mr. Miyashita which was $15 U.S. Gold Coin per month and if his wife Soyo worked, she would be paid $10 monthly. The company would keep $2.50 per month (out of the $15) to ensure that the laborer had enough money for his return passage to Japan. Miyashita was required to work 26 days a month and 10 hours a day of actual work. The couple would be provided with free fuel but unfurnished lodgings and any necessary medical attendance or medicines would be provided. The contract is signed by Miyashita in black ink across the centre of the English side of the contract and again at the bottom right. The contract is also signed by the manager of the Olaa Sugar Co., presumably Frank B. McStocker, who was the manager from 1899-1904, but is hard to make out. The Japanese immigration agent, Morioka Makoto, has also signed the contract at lower right. The two revenue stamps at centre right (for $1.00 and $0.50) are present. The facing page is the contract written in Japanese and also contains the names of the two parties.
Hawaii. The Japanese Immigration Bureau. Jan 11., 1900.
Single sheet folded.
32.3 x 23.6cm when folded.
In good condition. Expected darkening, general age wear and creasing. Some minor insect damage at one fold with minor loss. nb37010002
