ANTI-ASIATIC MOVEMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8372, 5 March 1907, Page 5

ANTI-ASIATIC MOVEMENT.

LEAGUE FORMED IN MASTER - TON. A meeting of persons interested in "the formation of an Anti-Asiatic League was held in the Drill Hall last evening. Mr Martin Andrews presided, and there were about eighty persons present. It was unanimously resolved "that a New Zealand Anti-Asiatic League be formed, with headquarters at Masterton, until such times as it may otherwise be decided; the objects of the League being to approach the Government from time to time on matters affecting anti-Asiatic legislation." The names' of about forty persons willing to join the League Were handed in. The following officers were elected pro tem -.—President, Mr W. Whittaker; Secretary, Mr A. 0. Levien; Treasurer, Mr W. D. Ayson; Committee, Messrs E. Peters, J. Peters, senr., M, Andrews, J. Shackeltqn, J. Cole, E. Groombridge, F. Hallam, L. Sayers, and B. Hastings. Mr' Whittaker moved, and Mr Ayson seconded, "that the Government be approached by petition, deputations and otherwise in the matter of bringing down an amendment to the Immigration Restriction Act 1899 and of the Chinese Immigrants Act Amendment Act .1901 raising the poll-tax to £l,ooo.'' The motion was carried. On the motion of Mr Cameron, it was decided that the Government be asked to bring down the Asiatic Restriction Act, 1896, with the necessary amendments, and that the Government use every means in their power to place the measure on the Statute Book before the expiry of "the present Parliament. It was also decided "that the Government be asked to bring down an Asiatic Deportation Bill this session."

It was further decided that the •League collect information relating to all Asiatics, the Government's powers of legislative enactment relating to Asiatics and their Constitutional rights and privileges un- . der the treaty rights of the Home Government with foreign and Asiatic Powers. A motion was proposed to the •effect that the Acting-Premier be advised of the fact that an Anti-Asiatic League has been formed in Masterton. The motion was carried. Mr Cameron outlined a scheme which he intended to bring under the notice of the Government to the effect that all Chinese dealers should be compelled to have their names on their fruit bags and other articles they sold, so that they could be detected in the event of trading on Sundays or after hours. It was decided to hold a meeting of the League on Monday evening next. The sum of £1 18s 6d was subscribed in the room. Mr Cameron thanked those present for their attendance and their cooperation in the matter. He urged them to do all in their power towards the expulsion of the Chinese, and so pave the way to a "White New Zealand." The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.