REMOVAL OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON COOLIE EMIGRATION.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 52, 27 January 1843, Page 3

REMOVAL OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON COOLIE EMIGRATION.

(From the Geelong Advertiser .j In our last we indulged in a short discussion on the propriety of removing the restrictions on the introduction of Coolie labor. Since then we have been gratified to perceive that the question has been set at rest bv the Board of Directors of the East India Company; and it now only remains for the Government to frame such regulations as maybe required in preventing abuses in bringing the Coolies from their native land. The Meeting of the Court of Directors was held at the India House on the. 22nd of June, when Mr. Weeding proposed a resolution condemnatory of the bill proposed to be brought forward by Lord Stanley, to legalize the emigration of Coolies to the Mauritius and other places. Mr. C. F. Brown seconded the resolution. Mr. Fielder supported the same view of the question. The Chairman contended that the Coolies had an undoubted right to benefit their condition if they could; by taking their labor, their abilities, their talents, their acquirements, whatever they might be', to that market where they would be best remunerated for them. Mr. Montgomery Martin strongly opposed the intended allowance of emigration to the Mauritius and other places. Sir J. Lallan said, that he had been an eye witness to the advantages which the Coolies derived from emigrating. Mr. Clark said,that under proper restrictions, he could not see how the most captious could object to their emigration. Mr. Thomson and Mr. Marriott loudly protested against the proposed measure of Lord Stanley. • A division was then called for, when the numbers stood thus— For allowing emigration 54 Against it 22 , Majority 32 o

Geelong appears to be rising into importance. At the present time, eight ships are laid on for London. The district of Portland is also advancing, notwithstanding the want of roads, which prevents much of the wool at distant stations from being brought into the market. Another great drawback, is the constant outrages by the blacks, who continue to drive away entire flocks of sheep and lambs, with no other motive than a love of mischief. Great numbers of snakes are met with in the immediate neighbourhood of the town, and a caution is given to those who walk into the country. Agricultural labourers are in great request at Portland, and a society has been formed for the purpose of securing, by joint subscription, a supply from Van Diemen’s Land and elsewhere.