CHINESE IN THE ISLANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 105, 24 April 1908, Page 2

CHINESE IN THE ISLANDS.

Per Press Association. Auckland, April 21 Mr. Thomas Ling, a Chinese Mandarin who wa.s sent by the Chinese Government to Samoa to investigate the condition of the Chinese coolies there, stated that it did not appear likely that his report to his Government would result in any cessation in the flow of his countrymen into the German-owned islands of the Pacific. The trouble on the plantations had arisen owing to the agreements failing to distinguish between the Amerean dollar (worth about 4s 2d) and the Mexican dollar of Is 10d. He was satisfied that the Chief i Justice and Mr. Asting, the Governor, would remove the cause of complaint. There were now 1038 Chinese in Samoa, j The Chinese Government, he said, did not encourage emigration of Chinese, fliev went on the advice of friends or | relatives. China, Mr. Ling said, was getting a big army together, but it was only for defence. "Wo Chinamen," he said, "do not intend to take what does not oolong to us. We have plenty of territory • of our own." ' ' 1 Mr. Lijig was reticent on the mulijecf; of the poll fax- on Chinese and the boycott of Japanese goods by China, fi. said he had broached the subject of Chinese Consulates in Australasia to Lord Plnnket, who favoured the idea. It was hoped to have a Consul in Svdnev and one in Samoa.