THE EXCLUSION OF ASIATICS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 May 1906, Page 4

THE EXCLUSION OF ASIATICS

I'lv ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —rop'RlttUl] [PKB PIIKSB ASSOCIATION.] FIUM PROTEST BY THE COLONIES. [i;t ELiccrnio tiilkgiiapii—copyeioiit.l [plu rnr.ss association]. MELBOURNE, This Day. The publication of papers in connection with thi' Premier's Conference at Sydney, and in regard to the proposal of the Balfour Government as to instructing the Australian Governments to reserve all Bills subjecting to disabilities, or excluding from privileges, natives of Asia for the King's consent, came as a surprise to Mr Deakin, who says it was marked conI iidential.

Deakin lias made a protest against any curtailments of the rights <if the Australian Legislatures to pass such laws.

From (lie papers, it is gathered that Dcakin telegraphed to Carrulliers, who replied that there would be no objection tu the proposal of the Imperial Government., Seddon, however, cabled to Carrtuhers in protest, declaring the whole thing unnecessary, as the King bad powers of disallowance, ami he had reason to believe thai if the self-go-verning colonies objected, the despatch would he withdrawn. Tie added: "You will, I hope, agree witli me that there is one thing above all others we should jealously guard, namely anything infringing our action respecting the preservation of our racial purity, anil landing undesirable immigrants. Wo are protecting, and hope you will take action in a similar direction."

Mr Seddon is also of opinion that the most; objectionable featuro about the whole thing was the making of the instructions confidential by Lyttolton (late Secretary of State for the Colonies). The Premiers' Conference discussed tho subject, and decided to send to Lyttelton a draft Bill for submission to the House of Commons, setting out what class of Bill should be reserved for Imperial .approval.