ARRIVAL OF CHINESE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2253, 18 May 1881, Page 1

ARRIVAL OF CHINESE.

The “ Grey River Argus ” of a recent date has the following account of the landing of the Chinese; —“ The landing of the Chinese lost night from the Hero was a sight not often seen, and not soon to be forgotten. The Lioness tendered the Hero, and, in order to save time, took on boordlthe whole lot intended for this port Every available inch of space seemed to bo occupied, the new arrivals being huddled together as closely as sheep in a pen. As soon as tho Lioness was clear of the Hero the Dispatch hauled alongside, and relieved her of a large number. As soon as the tugboats came alongaido the wharf a babel of voices was heard, and tho deafenoning din was kept up from tho time they landed, about 10 30, until midnight. The Customs authorities were in attendance in order to search the _ army of ‘ Johns, ’ and their belongings, but the task was utterly beyond their resources, considering the time available ; and the problem was solved by releasing the horde of Chinamen and impounding their luggage for the night. To the credit of tho new comers it must bo said that they behaved themselves in tho most docile and tractable manner, which, under the circumstances, was saying a groat deal for them. About midnight all were got out of tho transit shed, and they at once started for tho Chinese quarters, where their resident countrymen, it was said, had made some sort of arrangement for housing them for the night. Tho majority of the new arrivals are fresh from tho Flowery Land, and nearly all clean-looking strapping young fellows, all dressed in tho peculiar garb of their country. It may have been some deprivation to them to be unable to get their ‘ bag and baggage ' last night, but their countless bundles of impedimenta rendered it impossible for the Customs’ routine of search to bo gone through last night—and tho Customs are very particular to prevent tho smuggling of opium Tho Hero, earlier in tho day, landed sixtythreo at Hokitika. There are still forty-eicht on board for Dunedin." 7 g