The Chinese in Aus- TRALIA.

Cromwell Argus, 2 March 1908, Page 3

The Chinese in AusTRALIA.

The smuggling of Chinese into the Commonwealth says the Sydney cu-rcspondent of the " New Zealand Times," and the trade is said to be so profitable that as much as £BO has been paid for the sate landing of only one man. The difficulties in the way of stopping the traffic are exemplified by an incident which is reported to have occurred when an Eastern steamer recently arrived at an Australian port. One Chinese who professed to have lived previously in the Commonwealth, was found to be unable to speak a word of English, aud was unable to prove that he had the slightest knowledge of the country where he was supposed to have resided. However, the Customs authorities let him proceed to the southern port for which his ticket was marked, and no doubt reasoned that he would meet his Nemesis there when he tried to get ashore. However, when the steamer reached this port, it was discovered that the man could speak English well, and, moreover, was full of information about the condition of the country and of Ids own cabbage patch in particular. It was then that the disgusted immigration officer discovered the little trick that had been worked. The first man was smuggled ashore at an intervening port, and his place hud been taken by one of his countrymen who came on board fully primed by reason of residence in the country to present Ihe stranger's certificate and answer all the inquiries of the authorities at the port of destination.