THE CHINESE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 44, 25 November 1871, Page 8

THE CHINESE.

Mr C. E. Haughton, M.H.E., was one of the witnesses examined before the Chinese Committee appointed by the House. In reference to the enquiry—What remedy would you propose Phe said —I have thought a great deal about this matter, but the idea of a duty or tax, such as was attempted to be carried out in Victoria two or three years ago, is utterly absurd j the Imperial Government will not sanction it. I am, again, opposed to any exceptional taxation on any class of colonists, as a matter of principle. My own opinion is, that, considering the peculiar characteristics of our goldfields, and the amount of ground available fpr alluvial mining, and the prospect of a very large European immigration in the carrying out of the policy of the. Government, the House would be justified, in taking the course I suggest —that is, to insert a clause in the Goldfields Act which would absolutely prohibit Chinese from obtaining mining property in their own right, by prohibiting the issue of “ Miners’ Eights” to them. Considering their effect upon the general weal, the bad effects likely to result from their example, socially, morally, and politically; and that they are taking possession of the best parts of the country, practically driving out the European population, I think it is time the Parliament of the country interfered. Witness went on to say— I would like to supplement my answer to one question which was put in regard to the conduct of the Chinese when in a majority. I know that in my own district (at Cardrona) they have behaved with great violence, and in more than one instance have driven Europeans from claims by foroe. . . From what I have seen of their conduct on different occasions, I think that, when they get the upper hand of Europeans, they are ready and prone to abuse their power.

Mr Haughton’s opinion as to tlie disposition of the Chinese when they get the upper hand seems to have been remarkably correct. From the “ Arrow Observer” of November 10 we find that already where the races come into contact a disturbance is inevitable. Several cases have arisen out of a collision of the kind at the Arrow, in which some European miners were severely handled by the Chinese. The case was heard before Mr Warden Beetham, a most impartial and respected magistrate, who punished the Chinese in the most effectual way by touching their pockets. The following was the evidence given : Pack Goon, sworn in the Chinese fashion, and interpreted by Mr John Alloo, deposed that there were about thirty Chinese and ten Europeans in Branch Creek. Our claim is pegged, but not trenched. We never shifted our pegs. There were only throe Chinese went up to Boulton and Jordan when they were pegging off. The Chinese had nothing in their hands. Jordan did not Btrike Hing Wing. After striking me, he and Boulton ran away. The Chinese did not follow them. Hing Wing had no shovel, and I never saw him strike at Jordan. Sam Long, sworn, deposed : he was a mate of last witness at Cardrona. On Monday, 23rd October, he was on the ground when the fight began. Jordan and Boulton were measuring the Chinese claim. Saw Boulton strike Hing Wing, and Jordan strike Pack Goon, who fell. Witness ran up, and the Europeans “ galloped” away. By Mr Barton : I had nothing in my hand. Some Chinese had picks and shovels, but they were down in the claim, and not where the fight was. Saw Jordan running away, and no one ran after him. There were three Chinese and two Europeans in the fight. The Europeans had sticks and stones. Saw Jordan strike Pack Goon. Joseph Jordan, sworn, deposed: I am defendant in this case. Recollect the day when I taped off Chinese claim. I and my mate, Boulton, went up and ran the the tape over their boundaries. My object in measuring their ground was to see the extent held by them. There are over 100 Chinese in Branch Creek, and ten Europeans. While measuring the ground Sam Long came up and asked what we were doing. While taping off, Hing Wing came up with a spade in a very excited and threatening manner. Two other Chinese besides him bad shovels. There were five or •ix Chinese—am certain there were five at all

events. When Hing Wing came up he struck at me with a spade. I warded off the blow with my right arm, and the stroke fell on my shoulder, grazing the skin all down my arm. My mate came between us, and more Chinese ran in. I never struck Pack Goon. My mate and I ran away, and after getting about 100 yards I was overtaken by Hing Wing, who struck me with the spade on the left arm. I then picked up a stone and struck him on the head with it.

Thomas Boulton, deposed : That be was a mate of last witness. Was with him when measuring off the Chinese claim. While doing so, five Chinese came up to them—two had shovels, one a spade, one a stick, and the other, Sam Long, no weapon. They did not speak, but Hing Wing struck a blow at Jordan with a spade. Witness laid hold of Hing Wing. They then both ran away, thinking their lives in danger. The Chinese ran after them, and the old man (Hing Wing) overtook Jordan and struck him twice with the spade. We got away from them and proceeded to the Camp. His Worship gave judgment as follows— Damages, £22—to be paid by the Chinese in the following proportions : —Hing Wing, £W; Pack Goon, £7 ; and Sam Long, £5. Jordan s medical, professional, and other expenses amounting to £lB 16s were ordered to be paid by the Chinese in relative proportions to the damages awarded.