JAPANESE IN CANADA

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 103, 25 January 1939, Page 5

JAPANESE IN CANADA

Growing Social Problem

COASTAL LN DUSTKIES The Japanese offensive in South China and the menace to British property, trade and investments in Hong Kong brings the new A elloiv Peril liglu on to the Empire’s doorstep.. As Australians well know, the menace of Japanese to territories within the British Empire is by no means a new one. Now it is Canada’s turn to deal with the problem, if she can. Ou her Pacific coast, in the province of British Columbia, live close on 30.000 Jap-

anese. Since they were first, imported by the shipload to provide cheap labour, when cheap labour was urgently wanted to build the transcontinental railway ami to clear the forests, the presence pf these Orientals has constituted an increasing handicap to the life and progress of western Canada, says the Vancouver correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald.” At first, when they were needed, the Japanese were welcomed. They were to do the pick and shovel work, at little cost, preparing the way for the incoming white settlers. But when the white settlers found they could not compete with the low Japanese standard of living, restrictions were imposed. Since 1929, the number of Japanese immigrants has been limited to 150 each year. But that is the official figure. It is known that a number of Japanese enter illegally every year. How large that number is, is anybody’s guess. Ihe Dominion Government has taken steps to put a stop to this unofficial immigration. But whatever is done in this connexion, the real problem—that of the many thousands of Japanese already in Canada—will hardly be touched. The natural increase of these Orientals in Canada is incredibly rapid. They have the same sanitation regulations, health laws and medical facilities as the white population. Their death rate is, therefore, the same. But their birth rate is about three times that of the whites. Quite apart from further immigration of any kind, Japanese now living in British Columbia will in 10 years add another 8000 to their numbers. To this must .be added the number of officially sanctioned immigrants and their natural increase, which means more than •would at first appear, since nearly all the legal immigrants are women. A Raid For Documents.

It is many years since the danger was first recognized as such. In 1907 there were anti-Japanese riots in the. streets of Vancouver. White labour had already begun to feel the pinch. Competition with the hard-working little Oriental who was content with very little pay was becoming difficult. So serious was the fighting that the Government in Ottawa sent a young official, west in a hurry to investigate. The official listened to the complaints of the white workers. He then raided the offices of an organization called the Nippon Supply Company and emerged with certain documents. At first nobody could be found to translate the papers. Finally, a Japanese named Okada, clerk in the offices of a steamship agency, was persuaded to do so. Not long after Okada was found dead. It was never established whether or not he had died by bis’own band.

The translation revealed an appalling state of affairs. The importation of Japanese had become an important business. It looked as though British North America was going to have a Nipponese province in Hie west. The official hurried back to Ottawa with ills findings. It had not taken hint long to realize the dangers of the situation. Today, 21 years later, it is that same official who must once more face this issue. For his name is Mackenzie King, and, as Prime Minister of the Dominion, it is on his shoulders that the responsibility cltmlly rests. American Parallel. As a result of Mr. King’s 1907 report, the Minister of Labour at the time, the Hon. Kodol'phe ljeinieux, went to Tokio and concluded the first of the "Gentlemen’s Agreements” with the Mikado’s Government, that reduced Japanese immigration into Canada considerably. At about the same time, as a result of similar difficulties in San Francisco, and in California generally, the State Department in 'Washington made a similar "gentleman’s agreement" with Japan. There were then some 30,000 Japanese in (lie United States of America. In spite of the restrictions, there are today close on 150.000. Because of the present situation in the Far East, and because of the risks involved in approaching Tokio on this subject just. now. Mr. King prefers not to lake any steps toward settling the problem of Japanese living in Canada. Meanwhile, activities of the resident Japanese are lapiilly spreading. No longer are they the road builders and land elearers of the west. The market gardening business of the province is four-fifths Oriental-controlled, though much of this business is bundled by Chinese.

One of lite province's chief sources of income is the fishing and canning industry. Despite rest riel ions, tor which white fishermen had to light desperately for years 20 per cent, of Hie fishing licences are held by Japanese. The latest Japanese move in British Columbia is the invasion of big business. Behind them seems to be an unlimited supply of capital. It is impossible to estimate the number and value of their holdings, for they are careful to deal through Canadian associates. When au important business deal is being negotiated, no Japanese name, either of a firm or of au individual, is ment lotted.

Near Port McNeil, on Vancouver island. they have bought timber rights over a wide area. Mr. T. D. Patiullo. Prime Minister for the province, has stated tiiat ihe area carries three hundred million feet of emn me re la I timber. Not far away, at Uowiehan Lake, Japanese are ojierating an important logging camp. Elsewhere, throughout the province, they own and operate a number of smaller camps and mills. The Queen Charlotte Islands, famous as a supply base in the clays when wlmHug was al its peak, have been made specially their own. . These islands are rich in timber resources ami iron ileposits .-111(1 the industrious ami acquisitive Japanese have acquired all rights to both. For some months, <m Vancouver Island, they have been working eopiter properties. The lirst shipment of eon centrales will soon lie on its way to tlie refineries and smelting works in Japan. Here they have established a steady and reliable source of supply of a mineral vitally needed by Jltpati's armies.

Every shopping street in Vancouver and in smaller towns in the province has its quota of Japanese retail shops. White grocers and fruit and vegetable dealers cannot keep up with them. The Japanese retailer buys his produce from his cousin in the country, who

can gro-w the vegetables and fruit at less cost than his white competitors. The Japanese retailer employs men and bovs of his own race, and pays them less than the white dealer has to pay his employees. Thus the Oriental can afford to pay more rent, and so his shop is always at the best and busiest corners. Only one thing can protect the white Canadian, and his higher standard of living, and that is legislation. And, for the present at least, Mr. King has shown that he does not intend to legislate against Japanese residents.