INDIANS AT VANCOUVER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15645, 26 June 1914, Page 7

INDIANS AT VANCOUVER

PROTEST AGAINST LANDING.

CITIZENS' STRONG VIEWS

ALLEGED CHANGE OF POLICY.

By Toiesraph— Association— Copyright

• ' Vancouver, June 24. A public meeting of citizens has emphatically expressed its unaltcrablo opposition to Oriental immigration, and passed a resolution strongly urging upon the Dominion Government the necessity. for supporting the efforts which the immigration authorities have undertaken towards the rejection of the : immigrants aboard the steamer Komagata Maru and their immediate deportation.

It is further asked that stringent legislation be enacted whereby such immigrants be entirely restricted from admission to the Dominion.

The Vancouver World's Ottawa correspondent alleges that as a result of pressure brought to bear upon the Government by the Imperial authorities difficulties have arisen in dealing with the Hindoo situation in Vancouver.

It, is understood that the present Court proceedings will be allowed to interpret the exclusion regulations. If the Court proceedings give the Hindoos the right temporarily to enter Canada the Government will npt take steps to prevent them landing, but will take action in conjunction with the British Government to devise a diplomatic means of reaching a permanent solution of the whole question of restriction of Asiatic immigration. ,< '

Local immigration . officials emphatically deny the statement of the World correspondent. It is alleged here that instead of a writ of mandamus the Supreme Court will be asked for a writ of habeas corpus to test the Order-in-Council restricting immigration of those immigrants who do not come from the land of their nativity direct.

The issue is vital, and will be fought to a finish. Counsel have agreed to accept the pre* forma dismissal of the application in the hands of Judge Murphy, thus enabling tho matter to be brought to the •Court of /Appeals before the end of the month. .

Whichever way the Court of Appeal dccidcs, the unsuccessful party is likely to appeal ,to the Supreme Court of Canada. Meantime the Hindoos are likely to remain aboard the Komagata Maru.

DENIAL IN THE CAPITAL. NO YIELDING TO PRESSURE. V ' (Received June 23, 11.5 p.m.) Ottawa, June 25. A specific denial is given in Government circles to the story that the Cabinet has decided to allow the Hindoos on the Konlagata Maru to land owing to pressure from the British ' authorities. '*' > The officials of the Immigration Department are equally emphatic in declaring that every possible effort will be made to prevent the Hindoos from landing. The Government has given instructions to l the immigra- ! tion inspector at Vancouver strictly [to enforce the immigration regulations.