漫谈澳洲华人-12

不巧淘金的鼎盛时期已过，父子兄弟历尽艰辛，所获仅足勉强度日。他後来转为傭工，替西人垦荒及种植香蕉，稍有积蓄後再改为与同乡合伙经商，他的英语能力通过自学和经常磨练而与日俱增，结果一路顺风，发家致富，娶妻生子，归化澳洲。他在年届古稀时以中英双语写下了这部获命名为《阅历遗训 - My Life and Work》的自传：

以下内容是取材自澳洲国家图书馆後，再依中英对照，分段重新排列和抄写而成：

（前面五页是序）

先哲有言：创业难，守成亦不易。诚哉言乎，然苟非身历其境，亦不知其所以难也。吾老矣，无能为也已。然生平阅历，犹未善忘，创业之难尚可为尔曹道也。

“It is indeed hard to found an estate yet it is by no means easy to maintain it.”This is well said by one of our sages. However, if one has not actually gone through the hardship of life, he can hardly realize what it really means. I am getting old and cannot do much. Nevertheless I have not forgotten my life experience and still can relate to you the hardship endured in founding my family estate.

吾少也贱，七岁而丁母忧，姐长于我一岁，弟甫学步，吾八岁始读书，年十一而辍学，非不学也，为贫也。

school at eight and had to abandon my studies at eleven. It was not because I disliked to study but we were poor.

I was born in a poor family. As I reach the age of seven, my mother died, leaving my elder sister who is one year older than I and my younger brother just learning to walk. I went to

世业农，祖父年老，零丁孤苦。姑母归宁，见而怜念，相对涕零。祖命姑提携，相依为命。

For generations, farming had been the chief occupation of our family. My grandfather was old. Without a mother, I was left in great loneliness. When our aunt came to pay us visits, the situation grieved her and moved her to tears. Being so, my grandfather asked her to bring me up. Consequently I depended on her for support.

姑壻小贩营生，肆设乡间，吾随姑壻操作，奉令维谨，不敢告劳，如是三年，姑曰孺子可教。一日有客来购白糖，吾取糖与之，偶失手而碎糖罌，姑壻不我谅，啧有烦言，吾畏罪逃归，诉诸祖父，幸不加责。

My uncle was a small merchant and ran a little shop in the village, where I worked for him, obeying all his instructions and commands and never dared to complain about hardship. After three years, my aunt said I was quite teachable. Until one day, a man came to buy sugar and while I was getting it for him from the jar, the latter slipped off my hands and was broken to pieces. My uncle, without consideration, showered angry words. For fear of punishment, I escaped and went home. The whole case was presented to my grandfather who, fortunately, did not blame me.

随父务农，养鱼树桑，日出而作，日入而息，晏如也。

From then on, I helped my father on the farm in raising fish and planting mulberries. At dawn we began to labour and at dark we stopped. Life was calm and very pleasant.

无何，年十七而祖父弃养，二十一而水灾，所有鱼塘桑基，尽付东流，桑田变沧海，家计益困。

My grandfather passed away while I was seventeen. For years later, there occurred in the village a terrible flood which swept away all our fish and mulberry trees. This calamity left us in further reduced circumstances.

世传谷党埠，土产黄金，地不爱宝，採之无禁，掘之无竭。习闻不察，父子兄弟同心向往，光绪二年十二月初五日，由乡祖道，初九日在港扬帆，十二月廿八日抵埠。

There was a rumour then that gold had been discovered in a place called Cooktown and the source of which was inexhaustible and free to all. Without verifying the truth, my father planned to go with his two sons. We started from our village on January the 18^th, 1877. On January 22^nd we sailed from Hongkong and reached our destination on February 10^th of the same year.

顿失所望！误听讏言，金既难求，且也水土不合，因而致病者比比然也。沿途所见华人，鹄形菜色，非贫则病，愁叹之声不绝于耳。先进者不歌来暮，反切去思，後进者能不聆言心忧。

Oh, what a disappointment when we learnt that the rumour was unfounded and we were misled! Not only was gold difficult to find, the climate was not suitable and was the cause of frequent attacks of illness. As we went about, there met our gaze the impoverished condition and the starved looks off our fellow countrymen who were either penniless or ill, and there reached our ears endless sighs of sorrow. Those who arrived first not only expressed no regret for being late, on the contrary, they were thinking of departing. Could we, who had just arrived, remain untouched at these sad rales?

然既已来此，姑往探之。乃置锄焉，备铲焉，举凡器用食品，或负之，或担之，左提右挈。三年正月初四，结侣入山，鱼贯而行，比到十六咪时，夕阳西下，因而止息，露宿风飡，其苦可知。

But since we had come, we might make an attempt. Therefor we bought hoes, shovels, provisions, utensils, etc., Carrying or balancing on the shoulders the supplies, we started a foot in a company in the direction of the mountain region on February the 16^th, 1877. When we had accomplished sixteen miles, night came and we had to stop. Sleeping in the dew and exposed to the wind, the hardship is better imagined than described.

越二日戒途，凌晨遄征，人步亦步，人趋亦趋，既不敢离群而索居，亦不敢独行踽踽，恐失援而为野人所算，剽食堪虞。所以载驰载驱，汗流气喘而不敢自由止息者，职是故也。及到二十咪逢水则止，群焉卸担，提汲执炊，各行其事。憩息二天，

Early on the third morning, we resumed our journey. Walking sometimes slowly and sometimes briskly, we kept close to the group not daring to detach ourselves lest we should be set upon by the black natives and probably be devoured by them. The fear of such a fate kept one and all together and no one dared tarry behind to rest or to regain his breath. At 20^th mile, we came upon a stream. Here we put down our burdens, prepared to cook and each attended to his own work. Thus we rested for two days before starting again.

爰又启行，履巉巖，越崎岖，及到廿六咪，疲困已极，交步难移，人怀止息。又歇三天，行至四十咪，滂沱大雨，坑水盛涨，欲济无舟，徒兴望洋之叹。櫛风沐雨，淋漓尽致，守望水涸，而餱粮已尽，我迫转回谷党，以解粮食。

This time, we had to climb stiff cliffs and scale over high precipice, which so exhausted us at the 26^th mile that we could hardly move a step further. All wanted to rest and this we did for three days. Then we advanced as far as the 40^th mile. At this point a torrential rain had caused the stream to rise and we had no boat to cross by. We could do nothing but sigh. Braving wind and rain, we patiently waited for the stream to dry. Our provisions had now been consumed. I was forced to return to Cooktown for supplies. The journey was resumed as soon as the water began to subside.

及水涸首途，至五十二咪止宿，屈指行程，已匝一月，到此则万里平阳，一路康衢大道。至七十二咪，名曰大山脚，亦云殆矣，在此息处，此处有大山焉，高插雲霄，不知其几千万仞，纡徐而上，迤斜而下，惫极难堪，询诸行旅，曰此为八十二咪。或轻弃其行李者有人，或作阮籍之泣者有人，手胼足胝，肩破血流，血衣胶固，牢不可脱，強为更衣，痛不可耐。呜呼无辜而受肉刑，不禁抚肩而太息。

It was about a month after we had started when we reached the 52^nd mile where we restarted. Here we came to a great plain as wide and open as a road. Proceeding to the 72^nd mile, we reached a place called “The Foot of the Great Mountain”. Behold, before us was a great mountain with the peak projecting high up into the clouds and whose height was beyond my calculation. We made our climb at a slow pace and zigzagged down on the other side. Inquiring of some companions I was told we had travelled eighty two miles. Completely worn out and weary, some discarded part of their supplies to lighten the burden, and some were in tears. Our limbs were numb; our shoulders were bruised and breeding. When attempts were made to change our clothes, it was necessary to forcibly pull the clothes from the coagulated blood, the pain was unendurable. “Alas, to suffer this torture of the flesh for no wrong doing”. I sighed bitterly.

暂停数天，而又行矣。至九十六咪而栖止，然臣朔已饥，见有英人麵包铺在，乞食于英人，幸亦怜而与之，聊以果腹。

Tarrying for a few days, we advanced again. Very soon, we reached the 96^th mile and stopped. Driven by hungry, we approached an English bakery there and begged for bread. Fortunately, the Englishman took pity on us and gave us some. Thus our hunger was appeased.

及至百一咪，已三越月，乃始淘沙，绝不见金，惄焉忧之。适郭良兄道出其间，不吝指教，始晓开採，而所採又属无多，每日不过一二分金，仅足糊口而已。

It took us fully three months to cover one hundred miles in our journey. We then began to sift sand but to our utter disappointment, there was no gold. Mr. Kwok Leung happened to pass our way and very kindly gave us instructions. We then obtained one or two candareens per day. This was just sufficient to pay our daily expenses.

乃时数恨人，命途多舛，脚生石疸，不良于行，闻道石疸用火炙石，石热脚蹋其上，血沽即愈。吾如法试之，果有奇效。然尚未全愈，同侣远徙，不得不追随而往，至百二咪欲止，又闻百三咪金苗极旺，群趋若鹜，载奔载骤，及至百三咪，时已六月。

Soon after, misfortune overtook me, my heel had an ulcer which made it painful to walk. Being informed this malady could be cured by pressing the sore over a large piece of heated stone which would cause the blood to circulate, I tried and found it successful. However, before I had completely recovered, some of my comrades moved camp. There was alternative but to follow. At the hundred and twentieth mile, we decided to stop. Just then we heard that the gold strike was very rich about ten miles ahead. We immediately dashed on helter-skelter like fowls. When we covered one hundred thirty miles, it was already July.

择地开採，每日可得六七分，而父与弟相继而病，呻吟枕席，焦虑万分。幸遇陈盘兄过从，知为黑痧毛钉病，如法救治，其病若失。感恩图报，辞不受谢，似此盛德，求诸今人，吾见亦罕。

Having staked our claim, we began panning and obtained daily about six or seven candareens. But then my father and brother, one after the other, fell ill and were confined to their beds groaning. This worried me terribly. Fortunately, Mr. Chan Poon passed by and told us that they had caught eruptive fever. By following his prescription they both recovered. We wished to express our gratitude but he courteously declined. A man of such great virtue could hardly be found anywhere now-a-days.

至于谷党世界艰难，流落而不得归者，所在多有，此风传至中国，凡有尊亲，莫不忧形于色，由中国汇舟费来然後归者，不知凡几。吾堂叔闻此消息，将我房屋按典，得资一百六十元，由省万全珍珠铺，汇来谷党万全安店，折合英金三十二磅，以为吾父子兄弟归家舟费之用，父因时运不济，复病而费尽。

Not long after, news of the hardship and the stranding of the Chinese in Cooktown reached China. The relatives at home looked dismal and unhappy at the news of their sad plight. There were not a few destitutes who had travelling expenses sent from China before they could return. My second uncle, on hearing the information, mortgaged our family house for $160.00 Mex. and remitted the amount through Man Chuen, a pearl shop in Canton. We received it through Man Chuen On store in Cooktown. The sum realized was thirty-two pounds which was meant for the return expenses of my father, brother and myself. But fate was against us for my father again got ill. The whole amount was soon spent.

至十一月到百六咪，父子兄弟同困于此，荏苒数载。我思负贩以求生，父亦赞成，惟是肩挑贸易，任重不能至远，轻其负担，获利无多。转思任傭，而役贱工平，无一而可。不得已重理旧业，复往採金。

It was about December when we located ourselves one hundred and sixty miles and here we remained stranded for a considerable number of years. I first thought of being a peddler which idea, my father favoured. But in this business a heavy load on the shoulder would restrict the territory one could cover; yet the lighter the load, the less the gain would be. Next my though turn to domestic service, but the position was disrespectful and the wages poor. There was no work that seemed to fit. Finally I was driven back to take up my former occupation of digging for gold.

因失足而骨腕不凑，痛苦不胜，欲行不得，深山穷谷，何处延医？父与弟皆往採金，渴极思饮，不得已蛇行而往，汲水烹茶。及至高处，用双手举足強欲移过，殊用力太猛，触石硜然，骨节凑合，步履如恒，悲喜交集。

One day I missed my footing and sprained an ankle. The pain was so acute that I could hardly move. In the mountain region, where could one call a doctor? Worse still, my father and brother were out at work in the gold field. With a terrible thirst to be quenched, I crawled about for water to make tea. As I came to a high place, I had to lift the disabled foot over with both hands. I exerted too much force and hit the foot against a boulder. By accident this made the dislocated joints come into place and I could then walk as usual. Thus grief was turned into joy.

至乜注大河，一望汪洋，同侣栖息。是晚钟鸣九点，突闻野人声嚣，同人群起，鸣炮示警，终夜戒严，如临大敌。守至天明，立即徙避。

One day we reached the Mitchell River which looked like a spanse of the ocean. Here we settled down for the night. About nine O’clock that night we suddenly heard the hues and cries of the black natives. We aroused ourselves, set off a signal of alarm and kept watches throughout the night as if we were encountering a mighty enemy. When dawn came, we immediately moved away to avoid them.

时已五年，吾见採金， 究同海底捉月，又顾而之他，傭工酒馆，每月可得工金两磅，是年除用外，实存工金二十五磅一十六司令六片士。

Five years had passed, I now realized that to search for gold was like trying to catch the moon at the bottom of the sea. Forsaking it for something else, I worked in a restaurant at the wages of two pounds a month. At the end of the year I had already saved twenty-five pounds, sixteen shillings and six pence, after deducting expenses.

自到埠而迄于今，六载于兹，振作毫无。当即函请吾父将此工金归家，父不我从。见卢三利菜园有豖数头招顶，父欲之我谏不从，承顶後，旱既太甚，猪死菜黄，无人过问，父弃之而往採金，留吾守此菜园候顶，尔时又一年矣，友人劝我丢之而去。

It was six years since we first came but we had accomplished nothing. Sending him my savings for expenses I beg my father in my letter to return home. He declined the suggestion for he wanted to buy the vegetable garden with a few pigs in it which Lo Sham Lee were offering for sale. He disregarded my entreaties and closed the transaction. There followed a drought; the vegetables withered and the pigs all died. My father gave up the whole venture and went again digging for gold. I was left to see the garden sold, but after having waited in vain for a year, my friend advised me to abandon it.

（光绪）八年正月，闻英人招工，往长顺李罢坑，垦荒种蔗，即与陆良兄，同出谷党应募。二月初八到长顺李罢，蒿目荒凉，有如洪荒之世，既非王道荡荡，又无舟车可通，且总理未到，逗留海口以候。至月馀总理到来，教以编木为舟以通海运，而济粮食。由是辟草莱，披荆棘，代木丁丁（伐木钉钉？），不料树倒而被压，幸有别株乘之，树不及地者惟尺有咫，险哉命也，其不死于大树之下者几稀耳。

In March 1882, some Englishmen advertised for labourers to go to Johnson River Valley to develop the barren land into a sugar plantation. Mr. Lum Leung and I immediately set out for Cooktown together and accept the call. We reached Johnson River on April the 5^th. Such barrenness met our gaze that we felt we were dwelling in an age of universal wilderness. There were neither roads nor means of navigation. Before the manager arrived, we had to wait near the harbour. He arrived a little over a month later, and taught us how to use wood to make boats to navigate the harbour and get our provisions. We laboured to clear the thorns and cut the shrubs. At one time, while I was chopping a big tree, it suddenly fell on me. It was a miracle that some branches supported it well above the ground and thus I was saved from being crushed to death.

此次工完，七月又接美利胤坑工，吾苦积工资。九月又函请父归并汇英金五十四磅以作程费，准如所请买舟而归。惟弟由谷党而过坚士埠，虽亦受佣于垦荒，然仍一贫如故。

When the work was finished I accepted a job in Mourilyan Valley in September of the same year. After having saved by frugal living some wages, I again wrote to my father begging him to return to China sending him fifty four pounds to defray expenses. He consented and took the first boat home. My younger brother had gone from Cooktown to Cairns and work in a land-developing company. But he remained as poor as before.

吾在此渐入佳境，蒙英人委以管工之职。早起出巡工务，不料所乘之马，野性难驯，驱之不行，策之跳突，致吾坠地，眩晕半响，起而步行。

Prospects began to brighten and soon the Englishman promoted me to be the foreman. Early one morning while riding to inspect my men, my horse, being wild and difficult to control, refused to go and then suddenly reared and threw me to the ground, when I applied my whip. I was rendered unconscious for some little time before I was able to get up and walk.

至九年闻吾弟仍无善状，当即邀来我处。比其到也，又慕种蕉，而急不择伴，致与嵇生为伍，卒至缺本六十馀磅金。

Up to the 9^th year, my younger brother had no success. So I asked him to come to my place. When finally he came, he was interested in a banana plantation. Too eager to take time to find a good partner, he associated with a disreputable character and the result was the loss of about sixty pounds.

我又积有工资，时有阮乔负贩而来，沿途求售，赌败平沽，吾见有利可图，伙同陆魁尽与买之，待价而沽，获分微利，从此生心为商。

By that time, my savings had increased. A peddler named Yuen Kiu was offering to disposed of his whole stock-in-trade because of reverses in gambling. I knew there was profit in it and went into partnership with Mr. Luk Fui to purchase the whole business. We sold the goods later at favourable prices, and each shared some profits. Henceforth my mind was set to become a merchant.

六月与陆魁、陆棠、李锦等合股，伙开锦和店于美利胤坑。九月接家讣，皇考弃养。赶汇款归以办丧事。至十年而见李锦有自私自利行为，确而有据，迫诉东家，听其处分。东家廉得其情，逐锦出铺，而邀陆良入股，改名同和，所以恶锦而示绝也。十年杪，闻野人有来侵伐我人消息，急谋迁铺长顺李罢坑。十一、二、三年核算总结，每股可得上利八百磅金。陆棠、陆魁、陆良等，知足言归，愿将铺底货物顶与我承。

In July 1883, Luk Pui, Luk Tong, Lei Kam and myself entered into partnership and opened the Kam Who Store in Mourilyan. About October I received the sad news of the death of my father, and hurriedly sent money home for all funeral expenses. The next year we found out that our partner, Lei Kam, had committed some selfish acts and there were concrete evidences. The case was brought before all the partners for decision as a result of which, he was asked to withdraw. Mr. Luk Leung was invited to become a partner and the name of the store was forth with changed to Tung Who, to show our dislike of the word “Kam” by eliminating it. At the end of that year hearing that the black natives were coming to attack us, we moved in haste our store to the Johnson River Valley. Three years later when the books were closed and the accounts balanced, the net worth of each partner amounted to eight hundred pounds. Messrs. Luk Leung, Luk Tong and Luk Fui, feeling satisfied and desirous to return home, were willing to dispose of their respective interest to me so that I became the sole proprietor.

因伴旋唐，顺寄信银归家，乃噩耗传来，祖母病终，姐又丧失所天，家贫孀守。当即函请权来我家，料理家务，按年汇款以应家用，徐图甥子阿智外出营生。

Taking advantage of my partners’ return to China I sent a letter and some money home through them. It was then that I received the shocking news that my grandmother had died and my sister had become widow and was left with small means. Immediately I wrote to my sister begging her to come home and assume the duty as head of the household, the expenditure of which I would remit home every year. I also arranged for my nephew Ah Chi to go abroad to earn his living.

自各伴旋唐後，生意自为，倍益勤劳。（光绪）十四、五年生意如恒，十六年洪水为灾，登楼以避，间有货搬不及，为水所湿者，贬价廉沽，略受损失。十七年而患脚气症，肿及于膝，过埠就医，旋亦药到病除。

After my partners’ departure, the burden of management devolved upon myself. Naturally I displayed a more energetic industriousness. The business remained normal during 1888 and 1889. In 1890 a devastating flood laid waste the town; we had to shelter on the upper floor. Some of the goods which we could not remove in time were damaged by the water and later sold at a low price, resulting in a slight loss. The next year I contracted beri-beri. The disease reached knee high, when I journeyed to the next town to consult a doctor. Fortunately the prescription was effective and I soon recovered.

自忖润弟生性愚直，与伴合作蕉园又是缺本，命来我铺相助，乃无一所长，数学固有未明，英文言语又是不谙，每受客愚，交易中丛差不已。至（光绪）十八年命归娶妇，即找工金一百二十磅，俾得应用。且嘱其或有不敷，则在香港福和昌移支，以入我数，因我于福和昌固属外东，又有货讬其办，缓急当可通融。

The inherent stupidity of my brother Yuen had always worried me. After his failure in the banana plantation partnership, I sent for him to assist me in the store. However, he possessed not a single ability. The fundamentals of arithmetic he knew not; English he could neither converse in nor understand. Some customers often took advantage of his inability and he made countless mistakes in his transactions. In 1892, I arranged for him to go home to get married, paying him one hundred twenty pounds as wages to cover expenses. I also instructed him, in case of need, to apply to the Fook Wo Cheung Firm in Hong Kong. As I was an outside partner and the firm, being also my buying agent, would make advances of fund on my account.

厥後（光绪）十九、廿、廿一、廿二年间迭接亲属函催我归，谓富贵而不归乡，犹如衣锦夜行，且又以大义见责，谓不孝有三无後为大，当以归娶为要。不宜重利轻离，持之有故，言之成理。惟吾竊思家贫远客，虽未婚娶，前此逆水行舟，实难持撑；今者乘风破浪，正宜加航，得此际遇，何可轻弃。况我祖国，谋生亦非易易，守此勿去，不止利己，且可利人。若收盘而归，我家後生小子，亲戚故人，若欲出而谋生，何所依附？故吾仍以求利为前提，不以娶妇为必要。

From 1893 to 1896 I continuously received letters from my relatives urging me to return to get married, saying “To have amassed great wealth and not to return home is comparable to walking in magnificent clothes at night.” Some dwelt on the great responsibilities quoting. “There are three things which are unfilial, and to have no posterity is the greatest of them”. They advised marriage was essential and not to overvalue gains and belittle separation. Their arguments were sound and persuasive. However I thought to myself that, driven by poverty so far from home and having hitherto fought against the tide, the course now was to add sail to my boat and take advantage of the favourable wind. Such an opportunity should not be lightly disregarded. Further more, it was not very easy to earn a living in China. If I were to remain, it would not only benefit me alone, but also many others. On the other hand, to close up and return where could they go, when the younger generation, relatives and friends should desire to find an occupation. Satisfied, I continued to consider the seeking of profit as paramount and did not attach much important to the question of marriage.

亲属见我固执，知难再谏，乃与姐谋，代为择配。光绪廿二年十二月十二日，娶妻招氏而来，时吾年四十有三。

When my relatives realized my obstinacy, they planned with my sister to find me a mate. On January the 14^th 1897, they contracted my marriage with the daughter of the Chiu family and arranged for her to come. I was then forty three years of age.

幸妻到而教以英语，彼亦心领神会，未几可以相助为理，凡英人妇女乐与周旋，一切女服衣裳布帛等件，任其主管，有条不紊，且亦不惮烦劳，生意日见其多。

When my wife arrived, I taught her English which she readily understood. Shortly afterwards she was able to help me a good deal. The English ladies liked to deal with her, she took charge of the sale of ladies dresses and piece goods and managed them all neatly and orderly. She had no fear for hard work, consequently the business flourished.

（光绪）廿四年而长女美甜出世，廿六年生女美娇，廿八年而得震男汇庆（震男 = 令长郎，是敬称，不能对自身使用）。廿九年十二月廿六日，本埠患水，然无伤也。卅一年添丁汇荣。卅二年正月初二晚风灾，略受损失。卅三年七月初八诞生汇华。

In 1898 our first daughter, Mei Tim, was born. Two years later came Mei Kiu, our second daughter. In 1902 my wife gave birth to our first son, Wui Hing. On February 11^th, 1904 a flood swept the town but it did not do much damage. The next year she gave birth to the second son, Wui Wing. There was a great storm in the night of January 26^th, 1906 and we suffered a small loss. On August the 16tg, 1907 our third son, Wui Wah, was born.

十二月廿二日妻思归宁，且率同子女回家谒祖，兼行开学之礼。柬请父老延及嘉宾，式讌且喜，并置尝业为吾祖蒸尝，每年计租息收入，薄有千元。爰命吾弟管理，除祭费外，馀为度支，事毕回店。

On January the 25^th, 1908 my wife, anxious to see her relatives, made a trip to China and took with her the children that they would pay their respects to the ancestors and also hold an “Entering School” ceremony. Invitations were sent to all elders in the village and distinguished guests to a feast and they all had a happy time. She also acquired some permanent property which yielded an annual income of approximately $1,000. My brother was entrusted with the administration of the income which was to pay for the expenses of the ancestral worship ceremonies, the balance for general expenses. All accomplished, they returned to Queensland.

从此亲戚兄弟，相继而来，论才任职，计工受值，能者任其大者，不能者受其小者。虽无大賚（dà lài = 重赏）人人是富，然己欲立而立人，己欲达而达人，或资之以财，或佐之以力，各谋生计，各安其业，准斯而谈，未始非吾之苦心孤诣，愎谏不归之效也。

Thereafter, our relatives, cousins and brothers came over one after the other. Each was employed according to his ability and paid according to his capacity. To the more able, greater responsibility was given; to the less able, lessor responsibility was given. It was true no one amassed a great fortune but they all became rich in the end. Realizing that “wishing to be established himself, one seeks first to establish others; wishing to be enlarged himself, he seeks first to enlarge others,” I helped some with a loan and aided others with influence. They all found their occupations and enjoyed to labour. After all, can it be denied the success was not due to my determination and disregard of the advice to return home.

宣统二、三年，生意如常。中华民国元年生意尚好，二年又是水灾俨如泽国，客账短收，货被水渍，大受损失。三、四、五、六年生意亦佳，儿女毕业于书院，美甜、美娇日在铺中，同理商务，大有母风，坐司会计，起检货物，井井有条，生意益形进步。

From 1910 to 1911, business was normal and remained so the following year. In 1913 there occurred another great flood and inundated the land into a “watery kingdom”. Debts became hard to collect and our goods were damaged by water. The consequent loss was heavy. During 1914 to 1917 business was satisfactory and the children graduated from school. Mei Tim and Mei Kiu daily remained in the store and helped in the business. They inherited their mother’s traits for the way they kept the accounts and sold or displayed the goods was orderly and methodical. The business showed remarkable progress.

至（民国）七年飓风大作，唬奔而来，瓦皆作鳶，所有民居、旅店，十倒八九，葬身屋者十有六人。我店虽未倒塌，人亦无恙，然风乘雨势，上盖捲起，百货尽湿。当未尽吹去时，率彼家人店伴营救，挹彼移兹，终夜勤动，转瞬东壁告揭，西隅又漏，卒难保全，徒劳无补。

In 1918 we had a terrific storm. The wind roared and lifted the roofs off like kites. Eight or nine out of ten houses and buildings collapsed burying in the debris six out of ten inhabitants. Though our store was not wrecked and every one was safe, the slashing rain added force to the wind which soon lifted off the roof and exposed all the goods to the rain. Before the whole roof was gone, the family and the employees made brave efforts to save the goods, moving this and covering that ceaselessly throughout the night. But all was in vain, as one moment the west wall was founds leaking. In spite of our efforts, some damage was done.

事後急谋修葺，牵萝补屋，拮据万分，货多凌乱，沽之不能，弃之不忍，目睹心伤，殊为愤懣，人欠我账而难收，我欠人账而用还，约计损失英金四五千磅有奇。呜呼！风伯肆虐未有甚于此时者也。

After the storm we hastily make preparation for repairs. All available material was used which cause an intense embarrassment. Our goods were in a chaotic condition; to sell them was difficult and to discard them was waste. The mere sight was depressing and hearth breaking. Debts owing us became difficult to collect, while we had to settle whatever we owed others. I estimated the total loss was well above four or five thousand pounds. The terror and destruction wrought had never been worse than this.

厥後（民国）八九年间，客账有赖，元气渐复。十一、二、三年生意较胜于前，正如倒尝甘蔗，其佳在尾，颇堪心慰。

In 1919 and 1920 our customers met their bills more regularly and we gradually recovered. For the succeeding three years, business was comparatively better than before. One would liken it to eating a piece of sugar cane from top down, the sweetest part would be last. I felt more than gratified.

惟吾年老眼矇，妻又积劳致病，势难兼顾。人生七十古来稀，吾虽尚健，然年逾古稀，景逼桑榆，窃恐夕阳虽好，红不多时。今者儿女长成，付托有人，宜谋仔肩之卸，所有生意产业，已讬律师平分妥当，兹不赘列。惟生意之规则，恐有未明，故别为十戒于後：

As I am now growing old my eyes are becoming dim; my wife also is ill through continuous over exertion. We feel it difficult to continue our active management of the business. As it is said : “from the ancient time, few men gave lived to the age of seventy”. Though I am still healthy and strong, I have passed seventy and come to the evening of my life. The sunset is certainly beautiful but I fear that the glow will not last long. My children have now grown up and I can entrust to them the business and relieve myself of this burden. In regard to all my business and property, I gave instructed my lawyer to make an equal and proper disposition and need not here be mention. It is my rules of business which I fear some of you do not quite understand. Therefor I put down my ten rules as follows:

（一） 戒：办货应市，必先自度消流，适可而止，不可贪多，一防虫蛀，二防变坏。若货合销，价又便宜，不在此论，如係贱货，不妨多购。

(1). In purchasing goods, first of all consider the demand. Do not stock a large quantity, firstly, for fear of moths and secondly, for fear of deterioration. If the goods are in demand at profitable prices it becomes an exception. In an exceedingly cheap article, there is no harm to buy a large quantity.

（二） 戒：客来光顾，要接之礼，毋慢尔心，多备货式，听客弃取。若花样不合，又从而翻新，务中客意，以广其招徕。

(2). Always serve your customers with courtesy and patience. Show them patiently as many samples as you can. If one does not suit them, offer them others. Always try to please them in order to extend the trade.

（三） 戒：点货交客，要无差漏。间有客谓数计不合，须平心静气，複查有无差漏。如係有差，当即照补，敬谢不敏；若係无差，亦当婉词譬解，毋失客懽，致少生意，至以为要。

(3). In wrapping up articles for the customers make sure that there are no mistakes. In case a customer complains that the figures are not correct, you should be patient to check over them again. If there be errors, apologize and make the corrections accordingly. If there be no mistakes, explain the fact with great tact so as not to displease the customer and loose his patronage.

（四） 戒：时逢客多交易，应接不暇，先用安慰，求其稍待，免失客望，致失生意。

(4). When there are too many customers to enable you to attend to them all at the same time, then ask courteously some of them to wait for a while. You will thus not disappoint them and will retain their goodwill.

（五） 戒：客账未清，例应向讨。要善为说辞，勿触客怒，至于一再函求面恳，仍无归款，须设计取尝。倘若始终套延，尚宜婉求分次摊还，勿以掉出以轻心，致兴讼累，讼则终凶，戒之戒之。

(5). When a customer becomes lax in the settlement of his account, sound business demands collection. However, one should employ careful terms to avoid annoyance. If letters nor calls result in payment, devise some other scheme. Finally request him to pay by instalments should he keep postponing. Do not lose control for a moment and resort to legal procedure for a lawsuit will eventually bring evil. Beware! Beware!

（六） 戒：时当休息，关锁门户，必亲自检点，以防窃盗，尤须谨慎火烛，免兆焚如。

(6). At closing hour, shut and lock all doors and windows and inspect the store yourself to avoid thieves from breaking in. Also take pain to guard against fires, they are always disastrous.

（七） 戒：本埠地处低洼，每虞水患，若逢大雨连绵，经旬不霁，又值月之初一十五，海潮当涨，察有将浸上埠情形，须预提防，迁货楼上以避，免至临事仓皇无措，货被水渍，损失不堪。

(7). This town is located in a low region and susceptible to floods. In case of an incessant heavy rain which does not clear for days during the first or fifteenth of each moon when the tide is high and you predict the water will rise and flood the town, be prepared and remove all goods to an upper floor. It will avoid the confusion and useless rush when the flood do come and damage the goods. The loss thus brought about is unthinkable.

（八） 戒：感人以德，毋服人以力，禦人以口给，屡憎于人。举凡店伴姐妹兄弟，倘有偶尔误会衝突，忍之为尚，事後开解，使其意悟，和好如初，方为上策。

(8). Influence people by your virtue and do bot subdue them by force. “They who encounter men with smartness of speech for the most part procure themselves hatred”. If there is any misunderstanding among the members of the store, either assistants, brothers or sisters, the best way is to endure it for the time and explain afterwards. Make them understand and reconciliate. This is a good policy.

（九） 戒：凡事以和为贵，苟能此道焉，生意之隆，可立而待也。

(9). In your dealing with people, calmness is to be prized. If succeed in this, prosperity may be expected in a short time.

（十） 戒：事不干己，幸勿強为干涉。维口起羞，维口兴戎，古有明训，分外不加毫末事，可免终身之忧，慎之慎之。

(10). If a matter does not concern you, do not forcibly interfere. It is an old saying that it is the mouth which causes shame and hostilities. If one does not meddle with anything outside his own sphere, he will be free from sorrow throughout his life. So beware of it!

咨尔庆，其率尔弟荣与华，恪遵吾命，各管各业，毋相竞争，克勤克俭，守成即是开创之模，勿怠勿忘。无改于父之道谓孝，诗曰孝子不匮，永锡尔类，汝其勉之。前事不忘，後事之师。不知稼穯之艰难，且观吾上述，欲守先畴之勿坠。盍遵吾十戒，庆乎庆乎，好自为之，吾与汝母偕隐。

时

中华民国十有四年 岁次乙丑孟春正月

西曆一千九百二十五年二月

广东省南海县梧村谭仕沛 时年七十有一 识于英国昆士兰省长顺李罢现改名远尔非路埠退隐居

Oh! Hing, my son, guide your younger brothers, Wing and Wah and obey my commands. Each manage your own property, and do not dispute. To be able to practise economy and diligence is the secret of keeping an estate as well as founding it. Don’t forget that if one does not alter the way of his father, he is considered filial. The book of Poetry said, “For such filial piety without ceasing, there will ever be conferred blessing on you”. Do exert yourselves in that direction. The experience of the past serves as the guide for the future; if you do not know the hardship I have gone through, read the above pages. And if you want to perpetuate my work without laxity, observe the ten rules of business. Oh! Hing, Oh! Hing, carefully attend to all your affairs. Hereafter I retire with your mother.

TAAM SZE PUI

(A native of Ny Chuen, Nam Hoi Distric, Kwongtung, China)

Written in my 71^st. year at Innistfail (formerly Johnson River), Queensland. February, 1925.

自传裡所述及的所有时间点，中文是以中国年号纪年和使用阴曆的月、日，而英文则改用阳曆的年、月、日。一位幼年时只在乡间读过三年书的农家子弟，写出这样的文笔，实在並不简单。再者，他那自修得来的英语，写得那么流畅，也堪称一绝。

谭仕沛在1925年以71岁高龄退休，把经营了多年的百货商店交棒给下一代，並于同年出版了这本作为私人版本的自传，现在被公认为是具有历史意义的著作，是19世纪澳洲华人淘金矿工的唯一出版的回忆录。至于他们家族的百货商店则一直经营到1980年代初，昆士兰州政府因他们对零售业的贡献而特别于1981年授予了纪念奖牌。

1926年4月，谭仕沛在雪梨去世，生前他以自己中文姓名的谐音英文化作为英文名：Tom See Poy，因为名前姓後的缘故，所以他和他的直系後裔都姓See Poy。他的五名儿女依次是：

• 谭美甜（Victoria May See Poy，1898-1994）

• 谭美娇（Ida Pearl See Poy，1900-1988）

• 谭汇庆（Johnstone Tom See Poy，1902-1984）

• 谭汇荣（Gilbert Tom See Poy，1905-?）

• 谭汇华（Herbert Tom See Poy，1907-1998）

谭仕沛的这本自传在香港出版前还得到晚清进士、学者、时任香港大學教授的赖际熙（1865年－1937年）先生为他写了一篇序文，刊登在自传全文的前面：