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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 59, 8 March 1872, Page 2

The Melbourne Lahrikins, according to the Telegraph, have got beyond a nuisance — they are a terror to the community. Two Informers have been put to utter shame by tbe hostess of a Sandhurst shanty. As the Advertiser tells the tale, " two informers who had suspected that the lady in question supplied drinks not for love, but for commensurate remuneration, visited her domicile, and asked for a glass of beer. They were politely informed that beer was not 'in the way ' of the landlady, but such a thing as gin might, by au exertioD, be had. Well, they would have gin just medicinally. The landlady returned to the back room, and, emptying a kerosine jar into a ' square gin' bottle, returned, and placed the bottle before her guests, who, anxious to have their reward, poured out the liquid and gulped a little ere they discovered their sad mistake. The last that was seen of them, so said our informant, was their legs, and five or six tumblers flying after them, hurled by the enraged owner of the dwelling."

"That Heathen Chinee."-— The introduction of Chinese coolies into Britain — a subject first broached by the Globe a few months ago — is thus referred to by the London correspondent of the Dundee Advertiser : — ■" I understand that a step is in contemplation by the great employers of labor in the mineral districts which, if it be carried out, will give rise to one of the severest struggles which have ever marked the long contest between labour and capital. It is said that some of the ironmasters and colliery owners propose to commence the importation of Chinese coolies on a scale sufficiently large to enable them in the course of a short time to carry on their works independent, or nearly independent, of certain kinds of British labor. It will be remembered that some time ago a similar policy was adopted by a few of the great employers of labor in California and Nevada; and when we recollect the storm caused by that course of procedure in a country where labor is so scarce as in America, we may form some idea of the commotion it would excite in our country. I cannot state to what extent the idea has taken active development. I know, that communications have been opened with parties in China, but whether these promise to lead to a successful result I cannot yet say."

We find the following in the News of the World: — "By arrival of the Moses Taylor we are informed that the New Zealand Government has appointed Mr. Seed, formerly Inspector-General of Customs, as resident at the port of Pango Pango to survey the harbor, and make all the improvements and arrangements necessary to afford protection to mails and passengers, it being determined that this splendid harbor shall be made a coaling station for the United States, New Zealand, and Australian mail steamers. Mr. Seed was a passenger by the Nevada, and landed at Pango Pango on her last trip. The New Zealand Government, under Mr. Vogel's management, have thus shown great promptness in this action, as there are no more valuable islands in the Pacific. They produce, according to Sir Everard Homes' account, sugar, indigo, coffee, and all the fruits of the tropics spontaneously. We regret that our Government did not act more promptly in this matter, as it is the duty of the United States to protect ships sailing under our flag. When the Moses Taylor left Honolulu, however, the United States ship-of-war Narragansett was there under orders ior the Navigator Islands, in ali probability for the same purpose. Some twelve months ago a company was organised in this city for the purchase of land on these islands, which has recently been incorporated under tbe laws of the State, and a vessel is now loaded in this port and will sail in a few days. This company contemplates also the establishment of a general depot or depots for trade.

Caution to Emigrants to Fiji. — The Sydney Morning Herald of Feb. 6 says: — People w.:o are about to visit Fiji as employes v ill hesitate ere they finally decide, when they consider the following circumstances : Three persons were engaged in Sydney for a particular trade, and signed agreements that were duly

witnessed. They proceeded to Fiji, and on arrival there at once went to work for tho person to whom they were sent. At the end of the week, as a matter of course the men wanted their wages, but on application the employer said he had no money, and he should not adhere to the agreement entered into ; tbey were to be paid so much per day, but he insisted on their taking piecework. To this the men would not consent, as only a small, portion of their time would be occupied, and thus their earnings would not pay for board and lodging — which, by the way, was to be found them in addition to their wages. No arrangement was come to, and their employer fold them to get what remedy they could. The matter was laid before the British Consul, who said that nothing could be done in the matter ; there was no law to redress the grievance. Our informant states that in Fiji law and order are a perfect sham ; that people carry revolvers, and take out of limbo their friends by overpowering the native sentry and destroying the lockup.