Dr George On Lee (葉七秀): Not Just a Medical Practitioner in Colonial Australia

Abstract

The period between the gold rushes and the federation of the Australian colonies was accompanied by a dynamic engagement of Chinese elites. Very little research has been conducted on one of these men from Sydney, Dr George On Lee. He practiced medicine across four colonies and had interests in market-gardening and mining. His network, which included wealthy merchants and colonial politicians, was extended during the 1887 visit by the Chinese Commissioners. On Lee appeared to be a respected and integrated member of both the Chinese and European colonial communities, but that did not insulate him from a complex set of detrimental circumstances in the colonies towards the end of his life. His reputation was blemished when Chinese market gardeners in his employ charged him with unfair labour practices. His livelihood was further curtailed following increased regulation of the medical profession, which barred him from advertising as a doctor. On Lee©s history reinforces the complex dynamics that played out between the Sydney Chinese elites and the communities they belonged to as affiliates of two great empires and a colony. The various facets of On Lee©s life serve as a reminder of the blurring identities of Chinese Australians prior to federation and the loss experienced by this community as the century drew to a close