QUEENSLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1709, 10 March 1888, Page 4

QUEENSLAND.

Brisbane, March 7. The Trade Congress last night declared for Pro'edion, with a few diesentienis. It was decided to formulate an electoral programme, and to decline to give support to any candidate not adhering to it. A public anti-Chinese meeting was held last night, A number of prominent citizens were present. Several members of Parliament demanded that the Chinese should be totally excluded from Australia. In reply the Premier stated that Queensland, along with the other Australian colonies, was powi-rless to adopt a policy of exclusion while England’s relatione with the Chinese remain unchanged. So far as he himself was concerned, he was prepared to introduce the most drastic measures to prevent the influx of Chinese into*the colony, but it was simply useless tn take action in a manner which was quite unconstitutional.

March 8.

Sir Samuel Griffiths, the Premier, has issued a manifesto to the electors, in which be declares that the most imtnediate'y pressing question which will have to b« considered by the new Parliament is Chinese immigration. He proposes to increase the poll tax and diminish the number of Chinese to be carried by each ship ; the prohibition ot their working in mines ; the imposition of an annual residence tux, and all Asiatics to be prohibited from becoming naturalised. Further, if necessary, an excise duty is to be impossd by means of stamping goods manufactured by Asiatics. The address promises a revision of the tariff in the direction of protecting native industries,and judicious reduction of railway rates to cheapen produce and to help farmers. A land tax is shadowed, and a Bill promised to deal with the grievance of the northern half of tba colony. In conclusion he declares that the watchword must he “ Australia for Australians,” but he does not believe in actual disloyally and conflict with Great Britain in such policy.