COLOURED LABOUR IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1057, 2 June 1892, Page 21

COLOURED LABOUR IN AUSTRALIA.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. SIR S. GRIFFITH'S REPLY. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. WANTS COOLIES. (PRESS association.) Brisbane, May 31. Sir Samuel Griffith iti the course of an interview, said the statements made by Mr S. Smith in the House of Commons were wild and extravagant rhapsodies, of which he declined to take notice. All the criticisms on the Kanaka trade appeared to have been made concerning the traffic before the regulations of 1884 were passed. He was quite satisfied that the majority of the genuine working men of Queensland were not opposed to the introduction of Kanaka labour. Mr Smith’s allegation that the islands would be depopulated was an argument that might apply to any form of immigration. The sugar industry, which was in extremities, had already materially revived at the prospect of a supply of labour. He was glad to see the attitude taken up by the Imperial Government. Adel Aide, May 31. Mr Playford, Premier of South Australia, has sent a telegram to the Premiers of the other Australasian colonies saying that the South Australian Government intend to consider the question of the introduction of coolies into the northern territory, in connection with the development of the tropical agricultural industry. He is of opinion that the subject should be considered as being of more than provincial concern, and he suggests that a conference be held between representatives of the various governments for the purpose of discussing the immigration of coloured labourers, with a view to the adoption by the Federal Council of a course of action.