THE CHINESE QUESTION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2538, 10 May 1881, Page 2

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

[to the editob] Sib, Permit me, through your valuable press, to thank you for the advanced tone of your leaders, which are invaluable on account of their enlightened and liberal spirit. They are full of thought and open expression, and are worthy of the action of the people, who will do well to follow the advice so freely given them. Your leader last week on the Chinese invasion is full of suggestion, and considerable disappointment is expressed at no action being taken in the matter. Unless the people in every town rise to action without delay we shall shortly find this colony overrun with the Celestial pest—a pest which has proved anything but beneficial in its introduction. It is very probable the Government is watching the tone of the people—to see if they are likely to welcome a fresh importation of “Celestials.” Sir, you may be assured our passive attitude will only pave the way for fresh arrivals, until these islands are completely in their hands.

The leading members of this community should by requisition call upon the Mayor to convene a meeting, and forward a resolution to the Government expressive of the people’s disapprobation of a wholesale importation of Chinese in violation of the interests and desire of the inhabitants of these colonies. No time should be lost in demanding that a stop should be put to the heathen incubus.

The Chinese question is of far deepei importance than many are aware of. It is the outcome of the late British opium war, and the victory will yet be a sad defeat to British interests in this colony. Unless the people at once unite and demand that the Government will have no more of it every interest will suffer, The strong voice of popular opinion is the only check that will stop the wholesale gathering of the Mongolian race upon these shores. I hope, Sir, you will once more use your able pen in the interest of this important subject, and, by your efforts, rouse the people from their lethargy to immediate action, and I am sure a satisfactory result will follow. 1 am, &c., G. KIMBER.