LORD KNUTSFORD'S QUESTION AND AUSTRALIA'S ANSWER. Sydney, June 14.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 274, 20 June 1888, Page 3

LORD KNUTSFORD'S QUESTION AND AUSTRALIA'S ANSWER. Sydney, June 14.

'J'iik following arc in effect the replies cabled by Lord Knutsfortl to certain questions asked by tho Chinese Conference: — ■'The Imperial (Jovernment are anxious to meet the views of Australia, but the measure passed by the New South Wales Legislature places obstacles in the way ol negotiating with China, and it is impoitant to ascertain if other arrangements can be made, more in accordance with the views ot China. The Chinese Government object particularly to Chinese emigrants being placed on a different footing to those belonging to other nations ; but if they are placed on an equal looting, the Chinese Government might be willing to accept conditions similar to those under tho treaty recently concluded with the United Stated. It must be distinctly understood, however, that while the Imperial Government are prepared to consider any icpresentations made by the Conference, they are quite unable to assure the Contei ence thot negotiationsshall be opened w ilh China on the basis of such representa, lion-, as the action of the Imperial Government will altogether depend on the nature ot the proposals to be submitted by the Conference." Sir Ifenry Parkes, as President of the Conference, has 1 eplicd to the following effect-.— '"The Conference had considered the question from the standpoint of the political and commercial interests of the Empire, and the commeicial interests of the colonies, in 1886, the value of Australian exports to China was €16,000, whilst Australian imports from China were £850,000 ; thus whilst the Australian custom was of value to China, the lattor country afforded no great outlet at present for Australian t) ade. No attempt had yet been made to close the Australian markets against the Chinese, and though suggestions for restrictions of a general character had been fully considered, no piacticable scheme had been di-co\cicd. As the negotiations between the lnipcnalGo\einmcntandChinamustoccnpy an uncertain tune, and as the colonies in the meantime had reason to dread a large influx of Chinese, sc\eial Australian Governments had felt impelled to legislate immediately to piotcct the citi/ens of Australia against an invasion, which was to be dreaded in its eflect on the labour market, and on the social and moial condition of the people. At the same time the Conference was auvioiu-. that Great Britain should negotiate with the Chinese Government, and, if possible, conclude a neatv with that countiy for the exclusion from the Austiahan colonies ot all the Chinese, except oflicials, tia\ellei.-, meichants, and students. By way of assisting the Impel ml Go\ eminent to "he effect to this piopo-al, the Conference recommended the abolition ot the poll tax. The Confeieuee helie\ed that the C\istinir local legislation Mas .sufficient to accomplish thi immediate object, which wih le-tiietion, but would picfer I he exclusion to lie brought about by means t>f international agi Cement. The Conference huthei desired that the Imperial Go\ eminent should induce the Govern-ment-of Hongkong and the Straits-Settle-ments to at once piohibit the immigration of Chinese to the Australian colonies." The above embodies the business of the Conteienee, .md a diaft Bill, gi\ ing effect to the abo\e point>, has been approved. Ownei- ot \essek bunging Chinese in excess ot (he numlici pi o\ id eel for by the Bill are liable to a hue of £500 lor each passenger nbo\e- the prescribed number. A le-oluriou «ii> can led unanimously pledging all the colonies excepting New South Wales and Western Australia, to intinduce the diaft Hill appnrved by the Contei ence in tln.ii several Legislatures, it beinir undeistood that the two colonies retoircd to should alter then Bills to meet the pio\iMons of the general Bill of the Confeience The Conference has now concluded its sitting*, the Hon. Mr Oliver, the New Zealand delegate, not Inning reached Syd ne) in time to attend its sittings. The Chinese Conference are not disposed *H) increase the poll tax, holding that a tonnage addition to the tay was a sufficient ic-tiiction. The Legislate c Council hn\e passed the ('hineso Bill.