INFLUX OF ASIATICS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18412, 19 June 1925, Page 3

INFLUX OF ASIATICS.

OPPOSITION DEVELOPING. (PBISS ASSOCIATION TELSGBAM.) PUNEDIN, Juno 18. ■The question, of alien immigration has for some time been before the council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. It arose when tho Southern Cross League, Auckland, wrote soliciting" support to its. objection to tho entry of immigrants of Teutonic stock. It was stated that there wero 5000 odd Asiatics in the Dominion. Last night.-there was considered another letter from tho Southern Cross League.' It read: "The Auckland Customs Department is very reticent in giving information as to tho number of alien immigrants,' and requested us to apply to Wellington. In Wellington the matter has got mixed up between the Customs, Immigration and Marino Departments,, showing a lack of business not to their credit." In the meantime the Chamber had received the desired information from tho Wellington Customs Department. It showed that the "number of immigrants of the Chinese, Indian and Syrian races:was: 1922, 173; 1923, 140; 1924, 154. ' The number from European countries was: 1922, 240; 1923, 21.5; 1924,. 717. The countries represented were: France, Netherlands,. Denmark, Jugo-Slavia, United States, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, ■ Poland, Italy, Finland. Greece, Russia. Sweden,-Bel-gium. The most striking increase is that, of tho Jugo-Slavs. In 1922 there were 23. in 1923 79,.and 1924 447. It is, mentioned, too, that Jugo-Slavia is doing all in its power .to build up trade with Australia and New Zealand. Also received last night was a letter from Mr W. B. Steel, secretary of the Otago Expansion League. Rewrote: ''l am instructed to inform you that, jvhile the policy of the league is in favour of British settlers for British lands, and while prepared to welcome European people of .Teutonic stock, we are decidedly opposed to the influx of Asiatics-and of 'lesser breeds without the law:'" :-.'•■•■

The letters were' received, it being (stated "that the question had already been, referred to tho Associated Chambers of Commerce.