CHINESE IMMIGRANTS AT COOK TOWN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 786, 11 May 1877, Page 3

CHINESE IMMIGRANTS AT COOK TOWN.

April 26. The Captain of the s s. Galley of Lome—which has been orderel int i quarantine for 16 days as coning from an infected port—reports that he has 1050 Chinese, one saloon passenger, 44' crew, and six special constables on board. Me flatly refused to proceed to Filzmy Island, in accordance aviih the quarantine regulations, an I defies the authorities. It is said that he talked about arming the passengers, having plenty of guns an I ammunition on board. The Chinese refuse to bind on Fitzroy Island, as there is no accommodation whatever for them. Tim Captain threatened to land them north of the Endeavour River, where tho Thales lan led her passengers. He shift ed his vessel two miles in. The water-pn-lice magistrate at once went off. and informed the Captain of tho breach of tho quarantine laws. The Government telegraphed that they intended to thoroughly carryout the quarantine regulations, and that the law would strictly be enforced. After a long talk with the water-police magistrate, the Captain decided to go, and left for Fitz.roy Island at 4 o’clock. The steamer Killaruey is expected daily from Hong Kong, with 1,000 Chinese passengers and considerable cargo. She was to leave ou the 12th inst. When she arrives there will then be four ocean steamers, with 2,300 Chinese and full cargoes, quarantined in the harbour. The heavy rain and squally weather continues, and there are no tents or any other accommodation at Fitzroy for tho 1,700 Chinese who have gofie to tho quarantine ground. It ii feared that great sickness and ■tarvatiou will ensue, and there is no doctor i there.

It is reported that there are 3000 Chinese waiting at Hong Kong to come to Cooktown. The Thales passengers are being landed on the north shore, two miles from the town ; ond the mayor, instructed by the Government, will act on behalf of the town for the prevention ot a breach of the quarantine laws. Great satisfaction is expressed at the E. and A. Company’s steamers showing the precedent in not breaking the quarantine regulations, and proceeding directly they wore ordered by telegraph. The great want ot a man-of-war is felt in order to enforce the quarantine laws, which the Government have no means of enforcing, as shown by the open defiance of the laws lately.