THE CHINESE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2473, 17 May 1888, Page 2

THE CHINESE.

[Bγ Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] Sydney, May 16. Tub steamer Menmuir has arrived from Cantou with 57 Chinese. The Government have been advised that the Supreme Court had no power to issue the Act of habeas corpus to the Chinese passengers by the Afghan and Tsiuan. [FROM OUK OWN OOKKKSrONDENT.I Melbourne. It would seem as though the Government had put its foot into it after all in regard to the Chinese immigrants. Their high-handed procedure has aroused such acclaim throughout the entire colonies that, whatever comes of it, we will not complain; butitaeems that among the Afghan contingent was a certain Ah Moy, who is well-known in the Castlemaino district, owns land there, and is supposed to be the second richest Chinaman in Victoria after Kong Meng. He ie naturalised too, and speaks English fluently, but.he was refused admittance within our golden gates. It is through his intervention, I am told, that the leading Chinamen of Melbourne have issued a writ for £1000 damages against the Collector of Customs ; and I am informed the matter is not at all likely to end there. Ah Moy has powerful friends here, and is determined to get into Victoria and regain possession of his ancestral acres (by purchase). Of course, with the authorities it was "one and all," and they could make no exception. If it is proved that legally the Government has outstepped its prerogative, there will bi damages without end t» pay, for Captain Roy and his principals in Hone Kong will keenly watch the course of affairs and endeavour to mulct the Government in heavy damages. Indeed, the ill-starred captain is likely to return forthwith, whatever happens, and enter an action against ti:e Government for a very large sum. Of course, as is the same with everything, whether it be land booms, or silver booms, or crime booms, the lawyers will come in for a good thing.