Proponents
Kent Colonising Association
If you view the map showing the locations of the boys' homes, you will see that there is a large cluster around Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent. These are the apprentices recruited through the Kent Colonising Association (also referred to as the Tunbridge Wells or Kentish, Colonizing or Colonisation, Association or Society).
Reverend Richard Lloyd Gwynne of 3 Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, was chair of the Association. It was formed following a public subscription by residents in circa 1905, amounting to £5,000.
The purpose of the fund was to loan assisted passages to people who wished to emigrate to the British colonies (up to approximately £10 per person). The money was to be paid back by the passenger so the fund was maintained.
The Association's work reflects the imperial fervour of the era. It campaigned for the establishment of similar associations across Britain and partnerships with governments in the Dominions.
In the case of the farm apprentices, the Association loaned boys money to buy the kit of clothing required by the South Australian Government (see pp. 9-11 of the Opportunity for Boys to Become Farmers brochure).
Frank Leslie REFFELL and Thomas SMITH's stories are examples of the Association's work. Many thanks to Frank's relatives, John Reffell and Anne Vogt, for their help in researching the Association.