["Broome Pearling Industry", The Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA), Tuesday 22 June 1915, page 13]

BROOME PEARLING INDUSTRY

Perth, June 15.

What effect the war has had on the pearling industry at Broome was told in the Bankruptcy Court to-day, when John Madden Archer, pearler, was examined before the Registrar. The dealer said he went to Broome in 1896, and was in business there up till 1909 in a successful way. That year he left, going east, but returned in 1910, and again went into business, having assets valued at between £400 and £500. He purchased two luggers on the hire system at the price of £864, the terms being £100 cash and the balance on promissory notes spread over two years. All payments were made in due time, and the luggers became his property. In April, 1914, his overdraft at the bank was £950, but he felt no financial pressure. It was not till August 2 that, be relalised he was in difficulties. On that date, in consequence of the war, he received a notification from Rubin, of London, for whom he acted as pearl buyer at a salary of £800 a year, to cease buying, and that his services would be dispensed with.