CHINESE IN VICTORIA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 427, 24 June 1870, Page 3

CHINESE IN VICTORIA.

The following is extracted from an ao' count of Chinese emigration, by an Austro Han settler i

“Emigration hat At no period been popular among the ChinesO, and the present century was Well advanced before any decided exodus Ann be said to have taken place from the Flowery Land.

“ Their immigration into the colony 0} Victoria commenced in 1853, and, from the prejudice that existed Against them, they had to struggle against persecution sufficient to have daunted any less adventurous people. The Chinese landed chiefly at Guichan Bay, South Australia, and travelled overland, in order to avoid the heavy polltax levied by the Government. Their workings on the goldfields were at first limited to ground abandoned by the European miner and to the washing of the pipeclay on the top of worked-out claims. The Chinaman did not long continue to confine his attention to the leavings of others, but followed the rushes, marked out claims, and with tdlerable success, which may be attributed to “ John's” well-known steady and untiring perseverance. The Ca ton Lead at Ararat. Stony Creek, Burnt Creek New Lead, Chinaman’s Flat, an'd a humber of minor fields were severally discovered by Chinese prospectors. Vast numbers have reached inaependence- and have returned to their native country, hut many have shown a preference for colonial enterprise. A large number have turned their attention to gardening, in which pursuit their skillful culture, Patience, and economy have given them almost a monopoly of the market, the greater portion of the population of the numerous mining towhshfps being supplied by them. In most of the large towns there are Chinese merchants, who principally supply them provisions, and doing business on an extensive scale ; while in Melbourne some of the firms are extensive shipowners as also agents for European owners.