HINDUS IN AUCKLAND.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1991, 23 February 1914, Page 5

HINDUS IN AUCKLAND.

' ' HOW DO THEY PASS THE .■:■:•:■ ' CUSTOMS? .'■ ■■-. (By Telezraph.—Special Correspondent.) ■' ■'■'■■'■ Auckland, February 22. •■ In spite of the fact that a literary test is required by the Customs officials before. Hindus are allowed 'into this country, there aro a number-in Auckland ' who aro unable to speak a word, according 'to Mr.-Lindsay (Traffic-Inspector), v.-ho states that frequently Hindus, call '• 'at his office regardinb; fruit licenses, and it is necessary for them to have an interpreter before- they can make known their wishes. "In some cases," said Mr.'-Lindsay, "Hindus;have .come to this • office, and I have asked them to show their licenses, biit they only replied by ajshakc of their head,, showing they did not understand; In my opinion they are as.bad, and sometimes worse, .than Chinese in their igrtoraiico of English. How they manage to nass the Customs I cannot ■tmder.staud. They will also show. ; me licenses which do not belong to them, '-but are' owned by other Hindus who ' ■ give them the temporary use of them." ' Inquiry at the Customs , office, Labour , Department., and; shipping office thia : 'i , morning failed to"elieit the/bumber of ;;• Hindus resident in , Auckland- "Appar- ";'*'■ entry thereis no record off-hern,-"- saicl a 'j! Towii .Hall official tcwlav/'"and how fo V many'managotoget'iivl-'do not'kilow." ' ' "All we;'are'required "to do," said a. '.■' Customs''official; "is to seo that tli«>y pass the liforary test.' We tako no tally . of the number coniinn: 'in. and out." There are at nresont''2ii Hindus Jiccnsod for fruit and ° vegetable hawkers, 'and ]2 for street stalls. Beyond this it .is not officiallv .known what occupation tho remaining Hindus' follow.