H.—No. 5,

14

AD INTERIM REPORT (No. I.) OE THE

attempt to settle at Mount Ida, I believe it would lead to a recurrence of a state of affairs similar to that which aroso previously. AVhile there are but few, no such result is likely to happen. One statement made I cannot agree with—and that is, that the Chinese generally confine themselves to working the poorer class of ground. I have found the contrary to be the case; and from tho partnership system on which they work, they are able to mine some of the richest claims more advantageously than could be done by European miners. Some years ago, when I lived in Victoria, 1 was acquainted with people who did a large business with Chinese; and from what I saw and was told, I am of opinion that they, as a rule, did not act honestly in cases where they obtaiued goods on credit. As a rule, persons supplying them lost heavily by bad debts. 76. Mr. Shephard] Would an influx of a large body of Chinese have the effect of exhausting mining ground by mere visitors to the country, and thus preventing that ground from being occupied by those who would become permanent settlers? —Quite so. I wish to state that, in my opinion, one of the great advantages of the gold fields is the affording a means of causing a large population to settle in the country. If such ground were worked by Chinese, it would be exhausted without adding to the permanent population of the Colony. 77. Mr. Carrington] What is your opinion with reference to the employment of Chinese labourers on the public works of the Colony? Do you think they could execute works at a lower figure than Europeans?— That would have 1o be looked at from various points of view. AYe must consider what effect the employment pf them would have nationally, and not solely regard the cheapness of labour. I look upon the great public works wo are about to undertake as another means of at trading population of a permanent character, and from that point of view it would bo inadvisable to employ Chinese labour. The question as to whether Chinese labour would really be cheaper, or rather, more profitable to the Colony, than that of Europeans, requires careful consideration; but my opinion is, that it would not. I also think that in heavy work the Chinese could not compete with Europeans, though they are admirably adapted for light employment, but not for heavy railway works. 78. Mr. Shephard] I understand that you feel the same objection to employing Chinese on public works as you have to Chinese miners on the gold fields —namely, iv both cases you sacrifice to mere migratory visitors work that would otherwise tend to increase permanent European settlement? — Quite so. 70. Mr. Reynolds] AVhat measures would you suggest in order to prevent the Chinese from coming to ihe Colony in large, numbers? —I think they should be made to pay a larger proportion of the general taxation of the country than they now do ; and to effect that. I think a duty of Bs. per cwt. should be put on rice, large quantities of which they consume. I would also recommend that they should pay £1 a year for a miner's right; then, they would not be paying more than their proportion to the revenue of the. country. 80. Mr. White] Do you think the stream of Chinese immigration to this Colony has assumed such proportions as to need checking by the State? —I think so. If it is not checked, we will have a great many thousands landed in the Colony within the next twelve months. Frederick Alonzo Clarke Carrington, Esq., M.H.R., in attendance, and examined. 81. Witness stated: I visited California three limes between the years 1852 and 1556, and remained about ten months each time. My observations of tho Chinese led me to the conclusion that they made very good domestic servants, laundrymen, gardeners. &c. They were veil-behaved, particularly when they were few in number ; but when they congregated together in large numbers, they were Aery dirty in their habits. They were exceedingly industrious, working from morning to night. As regards their social habits and integrity, 1 can bear testimony that they were equally well-behaved as the mass of the white population. I have seen them employed on public works, and they gave perfect satisfaction.

APPENDICES. Appendix I. Questions submitted to Wardens of Gold Fields. 1. State your opinion of the effect on gold fields of Chinese immigration. 2. What is the influence of Chinese upon general conduct of mining population, especially as to gambling and disturbance of the peace? 3. Is there any danger to the morality of the community, especially young children and girls? 4. Are the Chinese useful in developing the gold fields, aud for agricultural and domestic purposes ? 5. Are you aware of intermarriages of Chinese with Europeans ; if so, what class of women ? (i. Is it desirable that Chinese immigration should be checked or promoted ; if so, will you suggest what legislation might prove effective? 7. AV That is the comparative cost of Chinese and European labour ; also cost of living ?

Appendix 11.

Replies from Wardens of Gold Fields. Mr. L. Beoad to Mr. W. J. Steward.

Sic,— Warden's Office, Nelson, Bth September, 1871. 1 have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of 7th instant, any reply to which I am informed by the telegraphist is to be sent by post.