Abstract
Since its colonial settlement in 1829, Western Australia has had a distinct historical pathway compared to the other colonies in Australia. Established as a free colony in comparison to the existing convict settlements, Western Australia introduced transportation in 1850 at a time when other colonies were ceasing this practice (see Appleyard, this volume). The colony discovered gold well after the other colonies enjoyed prosperity from their goldfields and they became self-governed in 1890 at a time when the eastern colonies were well advanced in debates on federation. This historical context was to influence the distinctive nature of Chinese migration to Western Australia...