The Lawrence Chinese Camp
Formed in 1866, it served as the gateway not just for Chinese, but all miners heading for the goldfields in western Otago. The railroad (raise still visible at the back of the camp today) came through in 1877. The Chinese were not welcome here, Lawrence’s sewage drained out to the stream opposite the camp. However, by 1882, these attitudes began to change, the town was surveyed and a drain added by the local council. Pigs were kept in the camp, up to 60 at a time owned by two butchers, as were poultry. Europeans frequented the camp, prices in the three stores were cheaper and festivities during Chinese holidays guaranteed quests free food and drink. There were also three restaurants, probably more than one gambling establishment (with opium). Actually, it is opium smoking that is probably responsible for part of the camp burning down in 1898, reportedly started by the camp doctor (Shing Shang Loo). Lawrence is also interesting because it was here that much intermarriage took place, 11 couples reported in 1879 alone.
The town included many uniquely Chinese buildings, such as a Joss House, Chinese Stores and gambling houses. Prior to the addition of rudimentary water facilites in 1882 by the Tuapeka County Council, it can be assumed that wells were dug and water boiled, “a factor which was recognized to have kept down the disease rate of the camps” as well as the “Cantonese preference, almost a fetish, for having their food as fresh as possible” (Ng 1993:251). The situation of the camp was well situated to serve the passing line of miners headed into the remote Otago Goldfields, and many Chinese and Europeans alike would have stopped for a spell to purchase supplies that were usually cheaper than equivalent prices in European stores (TT 04/20/1869), partake in Chinese festivals (where they could be assured of free food and drink), to gamble or relax in one of two hotels.
Lawrence Chinese Camp Links
Click the above picture for the Lawrence Chinese Camp Virtual Tour