CHINESE ON THE RAND.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1681, 18 May 1904, Page 81 (Supplement)

CHINESE ON THE RAND.

OPINION IN NATAL. It has been assumed, because the Natal Legislature offered no opposition to the Transvaal Labour Ordinance, that opinion in that colony is in favour of alien labour being employed in the gold mines of the Transvaal, but the following article, which we quote from the “Colonist,” a Durban weekly newspaper, Of Ist April, places a different complexion on the matl ter; Unexpected and violent opposition to the Chinaman has developed rapidly since Parliament undertook to fix his status as an agent of South African industry. The Chinese Ordinance has now become the object of much antagonism. That it has been made a weapon by the party politician is perhaps to be regretted, but even this feature of the case is not altogether to be deplored, for many truths regarding the Chinaman have been thus brought into publicity which otherwise the Transvaal would probably have had to learn by damaging experience. Why the responsible practical men in British Colonies which have given Chinese labour a trial have not been asked to tell their views for the-benefit of the Transvaal is very significant. It induces belief that experienced opinion was not wanted by those most zealous in promoting the proposed importation, but the South African public would he better pleased to have file truth, told in a fearless manner.. 'lucre are too many secrets in this business altogether.