THE ASIATIC MENACE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 1561, 17 June 1920, Page 5

THE ASIATIC MENACE.

GOVERNMENT URGED TO TAKE ACTION. The arrival of ever-increasing numbers of Chinese and Indians to our shores is viewed with alarm by many people and public bodies in this country, including the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. This body is circularising other chambers urging the Government to take drastic steps to stop immigration. A copy of this resolution was received at the local Chamber of Commerce meeting last evening, with a request for support. Mr C. P. Spooner said that while they deprecated the large influx of Chinese and Indians, they must remember that the question was a very big one. It was claimed for the Indians that they were just as much members of the British Empire as we were. The question involved a big political issue, and he advised the Chamber to leave politics alone, as far as that was concerned. He moved that the letter be received. Mr J. M. Johnston moved as an amendment that the resolution be endorsed. He thought it was quite right. Mr Spooner could not have come into contact with these Asiatics. If he had had experience of them he would not talk as he had done. It was all very well if they were all like the John Chinaman we had down here, but he should go into,the gold fields and mix with them there, when he would find it was a horse of another colour. He believed in New Zealand for the white man and the Britisher. He knew the difficulties as far as the Indian was concerned. It was a very serious difficulty but the trouble would have to be checked. He referred Mr Spooner to the North of Auckland, where there was a colony of Austrians. and assured him he would think differently if he came into contact with those people. He pointed out that white men could not make a living at the fruit trade in competition with the Chinamen.

Mr A. J. Daly seconded the amendment. He drew attention to the dangers of establishing Chinatowns in New Zealand where conditions would be most demoralising. He instanced the case of Greymouth, where such a quarter had been established. He also emphasised the danger of an industrial upheaval through the watersiders refusing to work ships bringing Asiatics into the country. Mr E. H. Crabb supported the amendment, drawing attention to the infiiience of the low class Asiatics on the Main Trunk. While admitting that the better class Hindoos and Chinamen were good men. he pointed out that it was the worst class that was coming into the country. It was a question that must be solved. The amendment was carried.