H.—No. 5

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AD INTERIM REPORT (No. I.) OE THE

4. So far as I have seen the Chinese they neither seek employment nor are they looked upon as desirable by employers; but I have known instances in Victoria, in many cases, where they have made excellent servants. 5. In proportion to population, the Chinese, in my opinion, do not require any extra police supervision; but should then umber be largely increased, some special assistance to the police would be required in the way of Chinese paid detectives, whose duty it would be to render assistance to the police in detecting tracing or following a clue to crime. This would be necessary from the fact that the ordinary channels used by the police for these purposes with Europeans, namely, the class of persons with whom criminals generally associate, would be closed to the police in the case of Chinese, from the difference of language. 6. I should report for your information that there is a general feeling of antagonism entertained by Europeans against the Chinese miners; and although at present within this district it is not much, still I am of opinion, if there were to be any large accession of Chinese in the district, or if acts of aggression were commenced in other districts against the Chinese, it is probable the police here would have a difficulty in keeping the peace ; but my experience in Victoria would lead me to believe that this would be but a temporary one, and would soon pass away. I have, &c, Adam J. McCluskey, The Commissioner of Police, Dunedin. Sergeant. Sir, — Police Office, Dunstan District, 10th September, 1871. In reply to your telegram with reference to Chinese immigration, I have the honor to inform you that my experience of the Chinese race is limited to the Province of Otago. The number of Chinese in the Clyde portion of Dunstan Police District is exceedingly small, the greater portion of the late arrivals having located themselves about AVakatipu. Since I have been connected with the police force, I may safely say that less crime has been committed by the Chinese than by the European population, in proportion to their respective numbers. As miners they are quiet, sober, and industrious, often making ground abandoned by Europeans pay them handsomely; and as domestic servants I believe they obtain a higher rate of wages than Europeans occupying similar positions. lam of opinion that, at present, the existing police force is amply sufficient; but if the immigration of Chinese continues, and their number materially increases, I would suggest that Chinese Protectors be appointed, and that a small monthly tax should be levied on each Chinaman, which would form a fund for the payment of the salaries of such officers. I have, &c, Gilbert F. Percy, The Commissioner of Police, Dunedin. Inspector of Police. Mr. C. C. Bowen to Mr. W. J. Steward. Sir, — Christchurch, 13th September, 1871. In reply to your telegram circular respecting Chinese immigration, I have the honor to forward a report from the Inspector of Police here, in reply to my questions. Although the number of Chinese in Canterbury is not sufficient to justify the expression of any opinion on the question of Chinese immigration generally, I thought it advisable to forward the remarks of Mr. Pender, an officer who has had considerable experience of Chinese immigration in Victoria, and who is a man of sound judgment and discretion in all matters connected with his duty. I have, &c, C. C. Bowen, W. J. Steward, Esq, M.H.R, Resident Magistrate. Chairman, Chinese Immigration Committee. For Inspector of Police. How many Chinese have lived in Christchurch, or the neighbourhood ? What has been their occupation, and how have they conducted themselves ? Chas. C. Bowen, Resident Magistrate. Four Chinamen at present in Christchurch, —two employed storekeeping, and two keep the garden in the Ferry Road. They conduct themselves very well. There is one Chinaman at Lyttelton, and I believe four at Timaru. I may state, for the information of the Resident Magistrate, that I have had some years' experience amongst the Chinese of Victoria, having had charge of a district whore some thousands of them were located. I consider them a most undesirable class of immigrants for the Colony, either as miners, agriculturists, or domestic servants. Their presence in tho Colony in any numbers must endanger the peace and morality of New Zealand. They are undoubtedly useful in developing the resources of a gold field, but special legislation for their protection and general management is necessary, and often times the expenses prove very great. P. Pender, 11th September, 1871. Inspector. Mr. F. Atchison to Mr. W. J. Steward. Sib,— Police Office, Wellington, 19th September, 1871. I have the honor to furnish a report on the following points, as requested in your letter of the 14th instant, viz.: — 1. How many Chinese are there in Wellington ?—Seventeen.