THE IRREPRESSIBLE CHINAMAN.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3102, 7 June 1881, Page 4

THE IRREPRESSIBLE CHINAMAN.

The question of labor remains, and to meet this the same authority suggests the employment of the Heathen Chinese. Many sons of the Colestkl Empire are already established in considerable numbers in the Middle Island. Numbers of thorn are probably fully versed in the operations of silkculture and tea-planting; knowledge acquired at the centres of such industries before they left home. Even if there were not enough experienced Chinese labourers actually upon the spot, any number could be imported by offering a sufficient wage. But here we touch a burning question, which, has already led to much discussion at the Antipodes. John Chinaman is not popular there. Most of the Australian Colonies have viewed the Chinese invasion with the strongest repugnance. They have dreaded tho influx of cheap labour, and have passed laws imposing a tax upon nil Chinese immigrants. In one caso only, that of Western Australia, has a different course been pursued ; and there the procedure of the Legislature in giving State help and encom-agetnent to Chinese immigration has stirred up very angry feelings among colonial neighbours. What if New Zealand, in her desire to develop new industries which must add very materially to her revenues, should also attract the Chinaman ? The temptation will be great, no less on account of the economy of the labour, but from the special skill which the Chinese workman would possess; and perhaps their concentration upon these peculiarly national industries ■would prevent them competing unduly against local hands in other branches of labour.