Chinese Allowed To Stay In N.Z. For Another Year

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29111, 25 January 1960, Page 15

Chinese Allowed To Stay In N.Z. For Another Year

(New Zealand Press Association)

ROTORUA, January 24.

There is probably no happier man in Rotorua than Mr Chin Hong Lun, fruit shop assistant. In the mail yesterday he received a letter from the Minister of Immigration (Mr Hackett) saying that the temporary permit issued to Mr Chin to reside in New Zealand has been renewed and extended until January 20, 1961. Mr Chin was discharged from Rotorua Hospital last week after treatment for poisoning. He took pest exterminator in an attempt to end his life rather than return to China. He was under orders to sail from New Zealand on January 13. The Minister’s letter, addressed to Mr Chin’s cousin, Mr H. Kai Fong, said: "In view of the circumstances which have arisen, the question of Mr Chin’s continued residence here has been most carefully reviewed, the result being that it has been decided to permit Mr Chin to remain and his temporary permit to reside in New Zealand is hereby renewed and extended until January 20, 1961. Mr Chin was beaming as he went about his duties yesterday. He cannot speak English but through Mr Kai Fong he expressed his "unbounded” delight

at being given the extended permit. Mr Chin also expressed his deep appreciation for the consideration shown him by the Minister and his officers. Yesterday was a day for gen, eral rejoicing in the family. A highlight was the wedding of a daughter of Mr Stan Chan, of Thames, a cousin of Messrs KaiFong and Chin. Mr Chin came to New Zealand in 1957 to escape Communist rule. He left his wife and family on his small holding near Canton. Since arriving here, he has been exploring the prospects of his family’s immigration. After two renewals of his temporary permit he was ordered to return to Hong Kong and a dread of subsequent reprisals led to his drastic action. At a hearing of a charge of attempted suicide—held in hospital—Mr Chin said in extenuation that he would rather die in New Zealand than return to China.