THE CHINESE QUESTION.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1956, 15 June 1888, Page 3

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

(PER FBESS ASSOCIATION.)

SYDNEY, June 14.

The following ia the effect of the replies cabled by Lord linatsford to certain < questions asked by the Chinese Conference: — The Imperial Government is anxious to meet the views of Australia, but the measure passed by New South Wales Legislative places obstacles in the way of negotiations with China, and it is important to ascertain if other arrangements can be made more in accordance with the views of China. The Chinese Government objectsparticularly to Chinese emigrants being placed on a different footing to those belonging to otlm nations, but if they are placed on an equal footing the Chinese Government might be willing to accept conditions similar to those under the treaty recently concluded with the United States. It must, however, be distinctly understood that while the Imperial Government is prepared to consider any representations made by the conference it is quite unable to assure the conference that negotiations shall be opened with China on the basis of such representations, as the action of the Imperial Government will altogether depend on the nature of the proposals to be submitted by the conference. Sir Henry Farkes, as President of the conference, had replied to the following effect: — The conference had considered the question from the standpoint of the political and commercial interests of the colonies. In 1886 the value of the Australian exports to China was £16,000, whilst the Australian imports from China were .£850.000; thus, whiUt the Australian custom was of value to China, the latter country afforded no great outlet at present for Australian trade. No attempt had yet been made to close the Australian markets against the Chinese, and the suggestions for restrictions of a general character had been fully considered, but no practicable scheme had been discovered. As the negotiations between the Imperial Government and China must occupy an unoertain time, and as the colonies in the meantime bad reaßon to dread a large influx of Chinese, several Australian Governments had felt compelled to legislate immediately to protect the citizens of Australia against an invasion which was to be dreaded in its effect on the labor market, and on the social and moral conditions of the people. At the same time the conference was anxious that Great Britain should negotiate' with the Chinese Government, and, if possible, conolude a treaty with that country for the exolusion from the Australian colonies of all Chinese, except officials, travellers, merchants, and stewards. By way of assisting the Imperial Government to give effect to tbis proposal, the conference recommended the abolition of the poll tax. The conference believed that the existing local legislation was sufficient to accomplish the immediate object, which was restriction, bac would prefer that exclusion be brought about by means of international agreement. The conference further desired that the Imperial Government should induce the Governments of Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements to at once prohibit the emigration of Chineso to the Australian colonies. The above embodies the business of the conference, and the draft of the bill giving effect to the above points lias been approved. Officers of vessels bringing Chinese in excess of the number provided tor by the bill are liable to a fine ol £500 for each passenger above the prescribed number. A resolution was carried unanimously pledging all tbe colonies, excepting New South. Wales and Western Australia, to introduce the draft bill approved by the conference in the several Legislatures ; it being understood that the two colonies referred to should alter their bills to meet the provisions of tbe general bill of the conference. The conference has concluded its sittings, the Hon. Mr. Oliver, the New Zealand delegate, not having reached Sydney in time to attend the sittings. SYDNEY, June 15. The Tasmaman Government disßents' from the decision of the Chinese Confer- 1 ence and the objections wired by Lord Knutstord. All the other colonies are satisfied, but Western Australia, being a Grown colony, did not express an opinion. The Victorian Chinese have drawn up a petition, protesting against tbe past injustice, and considering the present law sufficiently stringent. At Newcastle 40 Chinese on board the Chang Sha waited on the captain, armed with knives and tomahawks, and insisted upon the payment of £10 before they returned to China. The money was paid.