HOW TO USE CHINAMEN.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 848, 10 August 1871, Page 3

HOW TO USE CHINAMEN.

The "South Australian Register" iss an article advocating the development of the Northern Territory by •means of the introduction of rice 'culture carried on by Chinese labour. It observes: — The mode in which the Chinese "carry on their work will enable us to introduce them as laborers into our Northern territory with the greatest ease, provided that it presents a suitable field for their enterprise. One head man will contract for a large area "of land, and upon him devolves the whole responsibility of its cultivation. •He finds the immigrants, charters the vessel that conveys them to the scene "of their operations, provides tools, food, means of habitation, and every other requisite, and shares the profit ■of the enterprise with those under him, according to rules fully understood and universally observed among themselves.

The steamers bearing the cable which will connect Java with the Australian continent will leave Singapore in October or November next, and it 5a prdbable that the offer of a free passage to Port Darwin and back would induce a few of the wealthy rice cultivators of the Straits to come down and pronounce upon the capabilities of the country for indefinitely extending their operations. If their inspection proves satisfactory, it is. the 'opinion of competent judges that in a few years we might have a population •of not less than -20,006 Chinese settled upon the land,, with a still increasing stream of immigrations If, therefore, 'our Government were to arrange for such a visit, taking pains to secure the services of really competent and intelligent men, they would do mote in three months thoroughly to test the agricultural capabilities of our Northern territory than has yet been done toince the Henry Ellis sailed from Port Adelaide seven years ago.