THE CHINESE QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 7623, 28 May 1888, Page 2

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

[Per Press Association.] Sydney, May 2G. The Government have decided to enforce the section of the Chinese Restriction Act of 1881, which precludes vessels from bringing more than one Chinaman to every 100 tons, under a penalty of LIOO per head, and shipowners are to be notified that such penalty will be enforced after to-day. May 27. The Government intend to apply for leave to appeal to the Privy Council against the decision of the Supreme Court for granting a writ of habeas corpus. The Changsha has arrived with a large number of Chinamen. Preparatory to the departure of the Menmuir on Saturday two of the Chinamen escaped, notwithstanding the precautions taken by the Customs officers, who refused to clear the vessel unless the number of passengers were accounted for. The captain had to pay the fine of LSO each and the poll tax. After this had been complied with the vessel left, taking back to Hongkong thirty-five of those brought to the colonies. ANOTHER BATCH FOR NEW ZEALAND. [From Our Own Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, May 28. The Minister of Marine received a letter this morning from Messrs Johnston and 00. stating that their firm had received a cable message from Sydney to the effect that the steamer Changsha had arrived there with sixty Chinamen bound for New Zealand ports, and requesting from the Government permission to bring the Celestials on by the Wakatipu. The firm asked for an early reply, in order that they might cable to Sydney as soon as possible. The request is in direct violation of the understanding with the Union Company—that, if they were allowed to get rid of the Te Anau's shipment of seventy-eight Chinese by placing them on the Wareatea, which was only entitled by the marine law to carry four such passengers, they would bring ho more Chinese from Australian ports to New Zealand ports.