Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1920. THE ANTI-HINDU AGITATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2149, 13 July 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1920. THE ANTI-HINDU AGITATION.

THE objection to the increasing numbers ot' Asiatics being' admitted to New Zealand, voiced by the Re'turned Soldiers’ Associalion, seems to be having considerable influence upon its members, and through them upon a section of the general community (says the Carterton News). It would hardly have been expected, however, that it would have resulted in the extraordinary scene which took place in Carterton on Wednesday evening. Seven Hindus from out-back arrived in the town with (heir swags, having been engaged scrub-cutting. It was not known Avhether they intended to remain in the town, or even in the district. A crowd gathered and compelled them to leave by the next train, in spite of the efforts of the police to secure freedom of action for the unwelcome visitors. The Hindus arc British subjects, and entitled to all the privileges of the flag; Iml they were refused even a night’s sojourn, and it is reported got as far as Masterton and slept all night in the Park there. If the same action occurred in India against a party of British workingmen the outcry would at once be very loud and indignant, and there woidd be immediate demands that something should be done about it. A report sent to India of the hostile demonstration against Hindus in Carterton by its white residents would greatly assist the agitators who are stirring up feeling against the welcome to the Prince of Wales. It is quite right, and in the best interests of New Zealand, that the admission of aliens, coloured or while, should be strictly limited, if not prohibited altogether; but that can only lie done by very careful reciprocal arrangement' with the countries concerned. l\c cannot claim free admission and right to work or trade in other countries if we do not allow the natives of those countries the same provileges that we demand. When we have admitted men of another race, especially when (hoy are fellow subjects of (■he Empire, it is only right to give (hem fair play and British justice. In thrusting these Hindu visitors out of the town, those concerned allowed prejudice to run away with commonsense, and have made a serious mistake.