A CHINESE INVASION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15922, 7 May 1912, Page 6

A CHINESE INVASION.

The rumour that furniture is to bo manufactured in Christchurch by Chinese labour has not taken definite form, but it is natural that the white tradesmen should bo expressing alarm. Tlie Chinese cabinetmaker is a very formidable competitor and experience in Australia has shown that attempts to make him comply with European conditions of employment and with the labour laws aro not uniformly successful. His industry and his instinct for economy make for cheap production,, even -when union hours of work and scales of wages are imposed upon him, and a demand that he shall mark his wares with an announcement that Chinese labour has been used in their production does not prevent the white purchaser, not even the staunch unionist, from buying in the cheapest market. But it is obvioiiß that the Chinese who settle in New Zealand after complying with the requirements of the law cannot be prevented from entering the fnrnituro trade or any other trade where they can secure a footing. All that the State can do is to ensure, as far as may be possible, that they comply with the conditions that are imposed upon white employers and workers by the Arbitration Court's awards and the factory laws. Parliament should not hesitate to enact any special legislation that may be necessary if it is found that the existing provisions of the law are insufficient to meet the needs of the case. The local manufacturers discussed the position at a private meeting last night and wo have no doubt that they will assume a reasonable attitude, without making any appeal to mere racial prejudice. They aro entitled to protection against unfair competition in any form, but for the rest they will have to rely upon the loyalty of the public and the support of the Labour Department. They may take courage from the experience of thflg fruit trade, which seems to bo discovering that Cliineso rivalry is not an irresistible force after all.