Exclusion of Hindus

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 31, 26 June 1914, Page 5

Exclusion of Hindus

VANCOUVER CALLS FOR LEGIS-

LATION.

TO RESTRICT ADMISSION,

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright

Vancouver, June 24.

The citizens, at a public meeting, emphatically expressed their unalterable opposition to Oriental immigration and passed a resolution strongly urging on the Dominion Government the necessity of supporting the efforts the Immigration authorities had undertaken towards the rejection of the immigrants aboard the steamer Komogata Maru and their immediate deportation. A resolution was aho carried, that stringent legislation bo enacted whereby such immigrants shall be entirely restricted from admission to the Dominion.

THE LEGAL POSITION. TO BE DECIDED IN COURT. Vancouver, June 24. The World's Ottawa correspondent alleges that as a result of pressure brought to bear on the Government by the Imperial authorities, and the difficulties of otherwise dealing with the Hindu situation at Vancouver, it is understood that the present Court proceedings will be allowed to interpret the exclusion regulations. If the Court proceedings give the Hindus the right to temporarily enter Canada, the Government will not take steps to prevent them, but it will take action in conjunction with the British Government to devise diplomatic means of reaching a permanent solution of the whole question of restriction of Asiatic immigration. Local immigration officials emphatically deny the statement of the World's correspondent. It is alleged here that instead of a writ of mandamus, the Supreme Court will be asked for a writ of habeas corpus to test the Order-in-Council restricting, the immigration of those immigrants who do not come from the land of their nativity, direct. The issue is vital and will be fought to a finish.

Counsel agreed to accept a pro forma dismissal at the hands of Judge Murphy' and thus enable the matter to be brought before the Court of Appeal of British Columbia before the end of the month. Which ever -way the Court of Appeal decided the unsuccessful party is likely to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. In the meantime, the Hindus are likely to remain on board the 'Komagata Maru.

CANADA WILL NOT GIVE WAY. STATEMENT TO THE CONTRARY IS DENIED. Received 25, 11.5 p.m. Ottawa, June 25.

A specific denial is given in Government circles to the story of tlic Liberal Press that Cabinet has decided to allow the Hindus from the Komagata Maru to land, owing to pressure from the British authorities. The officials of the Immigration Department are equally emphatic in declaring that every possible effort will be made to prevent the Hindus from landing. The Government has given instructions to the Immigration Inspector at Vancouver to strictly, enforce the immigration regulations.