THE CHINESE IN OTAGO.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 900, 14 December 1871, Page 2

THE CHINESE IN OTAGO.

Mr Haughton's opinion as to the disposition of the Chinese when they get the upper hand seems to have been remarkably correct. From the "Arrow Observer" of Nov. 10 we find that already where the races come into contact a disturbance is inevitable. Several cases have arisen out of a collision of the kind at the Arrow, in which some Europeans miners were severely handled by the Chinese. The case was heard before Mr Warden Beethams a most impartial and respected magistrate, who punished the Chinese in the most effectual way by touching their pockets. Ths following was the evidence given:— Pack Croon, sworn in the Chinese fashion, and interpreted by Mr John Alloo, deposed that there was about thirty Chinese and ten Europeans in Branch Creek. Uur claim is pegred, but not trenched. "We never shifted our pega. There were only three Chinese went up to Boultqp. and Jordan when they were pegging off. The Chinese had nothing in their hands. Jordan did not strike Hiug "Wing. After striking me, he and Boulton ran away. The Chinese did not follow them. Hing Wing had no shovel and I never saw him strike at Jordan. Sam Long, sworn, deposed: he wn«<

I , ==»,, a mate of the last witness at Cardrona. On Monday, 23rd Oct., he was on the ground when the fight began. Jordan and Boulton were measuring the Chinese claim. Saw Boulton strike Hing Wing, and Jordan strike Pack Goon, who fell. Witness ran up, and the Europeans "galloped" away. By Mr Barton : t had nothing in my hand. Some Chinese had picks and shovels, but they were down in the claim, and not where the fight was* Saw Jordan running away, and no one ran after him. There were three Chinese and two Europeans in the fight. The Europeans had sticks and stones. Saw Jo -dan striking Pack Goon.

Joseph Jordan, sworn, deposed, I am defendant in this case. Recollect the day when I taped off Chinese claim I and my mate, Boulton, went up and ran t'ie tape over their boundaries. My object in measuring their ground was to see the extent held by them. There are over 100 Chinese in Branch Creek, and ten Europeans. While measuring the ground Sam Long came up and asked what we were doing. While taping off, Hing Wing came up with a spade in a very excited and threatening manner. Two other Chinese besides him had shovels. There were five or six Chinese—am certain there were five at all events. When Hing Wing came up he struck at me with a spade. I warded off the blow m ith my right arm, and the stroke fell on my shoulder, grazing the skin all down my arm. My mate came between us, and more Chinese ran in. 1 never struck Pack Goon. My mate and 1 ran away, and after getting about 100 yards I was overtaken by Hing Wing, who struck me with the spade on the left arm. I then picked up a stone and struck him on the head with it.

Thomas Boulton, deposed: That he was a mate of last witness. Was with, him when measuring off the Chinese* claim. While doing so, five Chinese came up to them—two had shovels, one a spade, one a stick, and the other, Sam Long, no vteapon. They did not speak, but Hing Wine struck a blow at Jordan with a spade. Witness laid hold of Hing Wing. They then ran away, thinking their lives in danger. The Chinese ran after them, and the old man (Ming Wing) overtook J Jordan and struck him twice with the spade. We got away from then and proceed - ed to the Camp. His Worship gave judgment as fol-lows--Damages, £22—to be paid by the Chinese in the following proportions :—Hing Wing, £lO ; Pack Goon, £7; and Sam Long, ,£5. Jordan's medical, professional, and other expenses amounting to £lB 16s were ordered to be paid by the Chinese in relative proportions to the damages awarded.