The Lyttelton Times. July 16, 1853.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 132, 16 July 1853, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. July 16, 1853.

As -was to be expected, the project of introducing Chinese into this Province has not been allowed to pass unquestioned by the class with whose immediate interests, it is presumed, it clashes. Our columns last ™ Week contained a protest from " A Labourer and New Filgrim" against the proposition. The letter contains many fallacies which Aye purpose taking into consideration. Did Aye consider that the introduction of Chinese labour would injure the labouring classes of

the settlement, we should be the last to entertain the proposal; but it is because Aye think it will be for the benefit of all that we have advocated the measure. Let us consider the present state of the Colony. There can be no question but that at present Aye are suffering from want of an adequate supply of labour. For a considerable time past none has been introduced, and many of the employed are now in a position to become employers. We can never hope to take advantage of the markets of Australia 'unless our resources are developed, and hoAV, can they be unless the means are at hand? Our correspondent refers to the "numbers of. able-bodied agricultural labourers noAv; for the want of employment, burdens upon their parishes in England," and who, were assistance afforded, would gladly . emigrate to NeAv Zealand. Is this the case ? He can be but ill-informed of the present state of England if he supposes that an excess of labour prevails there noAV. Employment has not only been increased by the enormous emigration to Australia, but that very emigration has largely tended to increase the demand and value of labour. The haiwest of 1852 Avas Avith difficulty secured, and then only by means of extraneous aid supplied by the military. This state of things is causing serious uneasiness in the manufacturing districts, and has engaged the attention of that great organ of public opinion, the Times. That journal attempts to allay apprehension by proposing the introduction of Belgian and German workmen. At this time, therefore. England is meeting her wants by importations of Foi-eigners.; Hoav then can we expect to be supplied from thence ? or Avhat likelihood is there that it can be diverted to NeAV Zealand when Australia presents such golden attractions ? If emigration takes place at all it is directed in that direction, and we lately recorded the fact that upAvards of .140 vessels were advertised in February for Australia.

If we required any further evidence to demonstrate the necessity of an increased .supply, of labour, and of the beneficial effects that would result therefrom, we would refer the Working Classes to the opinions of a Gentleman who is now seeking their suffrages for the office of Superintendent. Writing to us in February last, he says :■ —" One thing is certain that there cannot be, successful, colonization in any part of the world Avhere land is not IoAV 7 priced, and where moderately priced labour is not to be had." We are about to have land at a loav price,, and the necessary corollary folloAvs—moderately priced labour to turn our investments to account. With free trade in land comes free trade in labour, and the colonists of NeAv Zealand Avill not, Aye imagine, feel disposed to resuscitate the inanimate carcase of protection. Cheap labour must now be our motto, to turn our lands to account and to secure our prosperity. With cheap labour we shall develope our resources and avert the anomaly Avhich hoav exists—of the necessaries of life remaining at famine prices in a country capable of any amount of production. Should our correspondent be disposed to renew his.opposition to our vieAvs, let him avoid such phrases as " speculators in hu-

man flesh;" and let his common sense inform him that no working man is likely to " out a miserable -existence in a foreign country," if heartily and honestly disposed to work. Expressions such as these are ridiculous, and .tend to weaken the force of his objections. He may depend upon it that independency does look very well, and that he may secure it if he likes; moreover, he may be assured that English blood has not so degenerated that fears need be entertained that any amount of Chinamen would occupy other positions than those of dependency. If he thinks otherwise, then, in our humble opinion, the colony would be benefitted by hayiiig a celestial substitute-; and he might betake- himself to dog-soup and rice, petticoats'^ud a pig-tail.

At a meeting of Magistrates of the To wn of Christchurch, held on Monday last, wr the purpose'of revising the Electoral Ro^ for that district, the folloAving resolution was adopted:—vlt is the opinion of this meeting that the words ' due notice of service of objection,' in the 31st clause of the Government regulations for carrying out the Constitution Act, do not necessarily mean personal service, but that the ordinary mode of serving such notices, adopted in England, by causing'the notice of objection to be served at the usual place of residence of the party objected to, where practicable, or, as the case may be, on the premises in respect of which the claim to vote is made,' is sufficient." The meeting was attended by all the Magistrates of the District, and the above resolution was adopted unanimously. A numerous meeting of the Lyttelton Colonists' Society was held on Wednesday evening when the folloAving officers were appointed for the year : Mr. SpoAvers, Chairman ; Mr. Alport, Secretary ; Dr. Donald, Vice-Chairman; Committe, Messrs. Allwright, Ashby, Bayfield, Beeby, Birch, Clunie, Davis, Fyfe, Gee, Hamilton, Laurie, McCardell, Seweli, Silk, Simeon, Turnbull, Varyer, and White. A discussion took place on the necessity of petitioning the Government for aid in. rendering Akaroa and Christchurch more easy of access ; and a Committee Avas appointed for the purpose. A general desire was expressed for extend-' ing the purposes of the Society by introducing the Reviews, Magazines, and light literature of the day, and a Committee Avas formed to carry out the project. Dr. Donald delivered a very able and interesting report of the proceedings of the Society during the past yeai', for Avhich Aye hope to find space next Aveek. A vote of thanks Avas proposed, and Avarmly carried, to the Avorthy Chairman for his services during his term of office, which was feelingly and appropriately responded to. A meeting was held on Thursday evening at the Universal Inn, and adjourned, for want of sufficient-space, to the Schoolroom, for the purpose/of forming a " Working Man's' Freehold Land.Association." The attendance wasmumerous and respectable. Mr. Polhill was called to the Chair. After a few remarks referring to the objects of the meeting, the Chairman called upon Mr. Davis to propose the first resolutton. ■'? Mr. Davis entered at -considerable length into the question, and afforded a good deal of information respecting a similar Society at Wellington, with Avhich he had been connected. He moved—" That a Society be formed to be called the ' Working Man's Freehold Land Association,' to consist of an unlimited number of members at 2s. 6d. per week each, and that a Provisional Committee for carrying out the same be chosen from the present meeting." Mr. Heaphy seconded the resolution. A provisional Committee was formed, consisting of Messrs. Heaphy, Haycroft, Short, J.

Bannister, Wright, Pepper, Polhill, and Hutchinson. But little discussion took place as the immediate objects of the Society were not gone into; but the question will doubtless be well considered when the Committee present their report. We understand that a gentleman, recently arrived in the Colony, was .requested., to communicate to an influential German Pastor his opinions of the capabilities of Canterbury, Avith reference to a large andindependent body of his countrymen emigrating hither. We are happy to r state; that a favourable report has been fonvarded to England, and that we may expect at no distant day the arrival direct from Germany, of a most valuable class of immigrants.

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times. Sir, —As our Annual Pair took place this Aveek,'l thought you would like to know how it Avent off, and although the produce brought for sale was small, the fair was "numerously attended. There was only one booth of public amusement, and that Avas the celebrated Barnum's, from America, Avith the notorious Lion General Tom Thumb, and many desirous of seeing this curious animal, rushed to the scene ; there is much credit due to the great exhibitor, but be outshone himself on this occasion! for the numerous attendance at his booth seemed to exhilarate his usual exuberant spirits, and he addressed his numerous audience in the folloAving manner: —" Ladis, Gemman, and Little Boys, (the Tambourine Avas most uproarious,) this is the great, I beg yor pawdon, the Little Lion General Tom Thumb, he is the only one of his kind, and Avhat is so very remarkable, that unlike other wild animals, he grows less and lesseror every day,—so that if you had not take the present opportunity, you might have never seen him at all, —as by this day week, he will vanish altogether—his principal food consists of China oranges." (Aside)"Bumford — bIoAV up the Tanboarine." Bumford—" blow"me if I can bIoAV any more, the big drum is drunkj that ere precious Joey is ahvays lushy." "Ladis, Gemman, Little Roys, mine is a talking Lion, but no one must put questions to him but myself, (if you do not sit down and hold your tongue naughty boy you shall "be Pack'd off,) but as his constitution arn't very strong, the questions must be all on one side, so if you have no more questions to put, please to take your last peep of this Little great Lion, and make room for a fresh company t" The Tambourine here gave a most furious flourish, and the drunken drummer having knocked a hole in the head of his instrument, the booth was 6pon emptied, and I went home |musing on the probability of my ever hearing or seeing any more of Little Tommy. Sic transit gloria mundi. I remain, Sir, your obedient sen'ant, Ceito. Christchurch, July I4th.