THE CHINESE IN SYDNEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 142, 16 June 1888, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE CHINESE IN SYDNEY.

DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO LAND,

THE ATTACK REPULSED BY THE

POLICE.

Ox the morning of the 3rd inst. the Chinese passengers on board the E. and A. Company's steamer Guthrie made a desperate attempt to land. It appears that the steamer was just on the point of sailing for Newcastle when the Celestials who were on deck rushed the gangway and endeavoured to overthrow the police and get ashore. Although the movement was quite unexpected, the police made a gallant •stand and repulsed the attack of the Chinamen in creditable style, driving out right and left with their fists and batons and forcing the Celestials to beat a hasty retreat. In the "engagement," which lasted some minutes, several of the Mongolians were roughly handled, and medical aid had to be summoned. Dr. Garrett was soon in attendance and found that the Chinamen were not seriously hurt, although they tried to make out that they were. Another detachment of police arrived on the scene soon after the attack and remained on the wharf in the event of any further disturbance. The Chinese, however, thought discretion the better partof volour and retired totheir bunks, and the vessel called at 11 p. m. for Newcastle, taking with her Inspector Hyam and a body of police as guard. The Guthrie was followed to the Heads by the water police launch Nemesis.

Despite the vigilance of the police one of the Chinamen succeeded in making his escape from the Outline on Saturday night about 9 o'clock. It seems that he by some means or other secreted himself in one of the ash-shoots, and watching his opportunity slid down the vessel's side under the wharf. He then swam to a landing place and started in the direction of George-street. He had not gone, far, however when he was met be some boys who believing him to be an escapee offered to take him to his countrymen. John consented, and was taken by the boys to No. 4 , Police Station, where he was promptly arrested and placed on board the ship again. Before going on board the Guthrie the escapee had to be taken to the Sydney Hospital for treatment, as he was suffering greatly from the effects of his immersion. Another Chinaman on the Guthrie attempted to escape, but was prevented by the police.