CHINESE ON THE RAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8056, 24 February 1906, Page 2

CHINESE ON THE RAND.

FULL ENQUIRY COURTED. Received 23, 'J.3O p.m. Capetown, February 23. Mr Chaplain, President of the Rand Chamber of Mines, courts the fullest inquiry into the treatment of Chinese. He condemns Campbell Bannerman for assnmimg that the mining population of the Rond is less humane than other Britishers and states that owing to increase of unskilled labor, skilled white labor rose in 11)05 from 15,!M52 to 19,527. IMPERIAL GOVERNMENTS INTENTION. Received 23, 10.31 p.m. London, February 23. In the Commons, Mr H. W. Forester moved an aiucndmeut to the Address, expressing regret that the Government, after bringing the country's reputation into contempt by alleging that Chinoso slavery existed in the Transvaal, took no effectual methods of ending it. Winston Churchill (Under-Seere-tary for the Colonies), admitted that it was not slavery in tho extreme acceptance of the term, but it was an undesirable form of contract constituting a mslancholy derogation of labour, Hot hitherto tolerated in the British Empire. The sudden deportation of Chinese lyiuld produce an economic collapse. He believed the Transvaal would decide against the retention of the system, and it was certain to reject the impudent demands for an extension. The Government was modifying the conditions of treatment, and if the Transvaal continued the system under repugnant conditions, the Imperial sanction would be withheld from arrangements with China. The Government intended to cancel the provision permitting coolies to re-engage at the end of the contract. Three thousand liccusos which were granted, but not signed on the 18th, will be allowed to stand, likewise thirteen thousand formally signed.