On 12 June 1877 James Henry Lawrance, aged 16, signed on as an apprentice to Bullard King & Co. For a period of 4 years.

On 21 June he signed on the barque Wolseley

Not much more is known of any ongoing seagoing career, it seems as if he used the apprenticeship as a cheap way of emigrating to make his fortune in the gold fields.

James’ Indenture to Bullard King