STATEMENTS DENIED

KKPIjY BY >IKK< HANTS "The statement that Chinese and Asiatic retailers are financed by merchant auctioneering firms is quite untrue as far as my firm is concerned," stated Mr. Arundel Turner, acting manager of Turners and Growers, Limited, when the above report was referred to him to-day. "No Asiatic retailer owes my firm an outstanding account, and we have not guaranteed the lease of any Asiatic retailer's shop," said Mr. Turner, "nor is preference shown for any particular section of retailers. No misunderstanding should be allowed to occur during this critical period of the war. and I think it a duty to the country to correct such an irresponsible statement." The statements are also denied by Mr. A. H. Kew. solicitor for the Chinese retail fruiterers. He points out that a permit is necessary for the opening of a new shop, and if the controlling authority is of opinion that the shop would be uneconomic, a permit would not be granted. Asiatic fruit shops were subject to the same labour laws as European shops, and there were inspectors to see that the regulations were carried out. At the present time efforts were being made to have an award drawn up on a and proper basis. Referring to allegations of a large increase in the Chinese population Mr. Kew said that there had not been a single permanent adult Chinese resident admitted to the Dominion for 30 years. Refugees admitted on permit in recent years were wholly wives and children of Chinese already in the Dominion.