A general shortage of manpower on Vancouver Island in the 1850’s meant that anyone employed as a labourer on contract could probably make more money doing casual work of various sorts than on sticking to his agreement. Brian Charles Coyle suggests that the PSAC tried to hire the cheapest possible labour in Britain, from the areas suffering the most severe depression. The PSAC offered higher wages than the going rate in these areas of England and Scotland, yet not nearly as high as the going rate on Vancouver Island. Workers contracted to spend years at this rate were greatly enticed to break their contracts upon arrival, and work for someone else within the colony.

Others were drawn to the promise of free land in the American territories. If they remained on Vancouver Island, all they could hope for was for a small allowance of land on completion of their contract. The California Gold Rush was also a major draw for young, hardworking men. [note]