THE CHINESE QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2140, 24 July 1907, Page 1

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

To tlio Editor of the Gisborne Times. Sir,—l notice in your issue of the 23rd inst. a correspondence under the heading “Tliiv Chinese Question,” in which the writer states- Mr. W. A. Lloyd has been "forced to resign bis position consequent on too free a ventilation of his opinions as a Civil Servant. While I do not in any way disagree with one sentiment expressed by the writer, I cannot sympathise with the breach of the Civil Service by-laws Mr Lloyd was led into committing by liis Tack of knowledge of the question in its entirety. In order to obviate useless roitera-

tion of the well-known failings of Chinamen generally, and those of Gisborne in particular, allow me to state the position from a general standpoint, and how our legislation is. affected thereby. The Government lias a serious responsibility in connection with this matter. The absolute prohibition of Chinese by legislation it is impossible to give effect to without tlio assent of the British Government. It could only bo done were Now Zealand an independent Government, and could undertake such definite legislation. Tim. British Government has responsibilities in matters affecting not only New Zealand but all portions of the Empire, and if New Zealand were enabled to act without a recognition of the necessities ' of His Majesty’s Government it could pass such legislation as would absoltitelv prohibit all classes of aliens. As it is, wo are obliged to send such legislation to the British Government for its approval or disapproval, and abide by the higher jurisdiction. Hence increasing the poll tax is subservient to the mutual interests of China and England, and to those interests wo must perforce bow. Meanwhile the moSl our Government can undertake for us is to prevent members of a race to which there is strong objection from coining in numbers to the country. The cry of “boycott,” raised by Mr. Symes, seems to me to suvo of “jingoism,” and is totally against the socialistic principles of Nov Zealand. When ; Chinamen arrive in this country, having complied with tho law, they come under

the laws of tlio country, and of necessity must have the protection of our laws Therefore, if you introduce prohibitive legislation, which is illegal, you could not give that proposal tlio necessary force, and thus the Government has taken the only course left open, namely, the introduction of legislation of sufficiently restrictive character to prevent large numbers from entering the country, or further, if prohibition is desired, to present legislation in the only legal way in which this country can give effect, to tho wishes of its people.—l am, etc., ' JAMES. C, COLLINS, M.B.