THE INTRODUCTION OF CHINESE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1017, 23 March 1865, Page 6

THE INTRODUCTION OF CHINESE.

(To the Editor of the Vi.xi.r Tium.)

Sir—The present aspect of commercial nmltcra is so grave, that I offer no apology for submitting for insertion in yourcolurons a short note, in the earnest hope that the subject upon which I purpose offering some crude spec illation*, may induce wiser nnd more able beads to give the subject (if worthy) due consideration, and lend their weight and influence to its advocacy. As a foreigner, I naturally feel some hesitation and delicacy in seeking to occupy unnecessary space in your valuable paper, while I am further deterred from, attempting to elaborate ray idea, from the fact of my knowledge of the English language h exceedingly limited. In my humble way, I nave considerable interest i at stake in this Province, and I am led to believe, on strictly reliable authority, that the merchants of this city are involved with their upcountry constituents ta the extent of nearly, if not quite, one million sterling. "With the present exodus of the hardworking; and largely consuming class, I naturally turn to seek some remedy. And I can see at the present moment, but one that is at all certain, safe, or sure, and that I firmly believe to consist in the introduction of a considerable body of Chinese. I naturally expect to be met by considerable opposition by many who deem my advocacy of ameh a course injurious and heretical. Nevertheless, let us quietly and dispassionately proceed to weigh the advantages and benefits to be derived from such immigration against the opposing influences, and I sincerely think the majority will vote with me. In the first place, I believe all will admit the truth of the axiom that " population ia the wealth of nations." In so far, therefore, could a combination between the Chaiibor of Commerce and the Government effect this object, by introducing four or five thousand Chinamen, the first great result would be obtained. Secondly, all who are at all acquainted with thtir character arill acknowlege their being painstaking, industrious, and energetic. And for a lar<»e body of men possessing these attributes we have boundless fields, containing unlimited nuriferous wealth ; bo much so, that I am bold enough to assert that from the Dunsfan district alone the labor of 2000 Chinamen would produce a weekly escort ol' a large amount. They aire peaceably disposed, as the records of the Police Courts throughout Victoria amply testify. They are almost to a man good cultivators; and, where opportunity has been presented, have evinced every desire to settle down quietly as gardeners aiad cultivators of the soil. I have been told thnt some prohibition exists against their introduction. If s<*ch be the ca'e I trust the urgency of such a stricture being abolished will be appar- . cut; and that an entire feeling of unanimity between all parties who have property at stake here, or who take an interest in the advancement of the province, will, by combined energy, and active movement, endeavor to clear the way for the introduction of so productive and useful a class. If this be done, the up-country storekeeper, who is now languishing for want of cuutom, will soon be able to clear off the goods now uselessly cumbering the shelves (many uf such being of a very perishable nature) and replace them by fresh supplies, to the more than benefit—to the actual saving from ruin in too many instances —not only himself, but to the merchant, whose position jmt now most be hazardous in the extreme. I am unable to pourtray all that I can so well feel; and I have only presumed to write this much, in tbe Earnest trust that some better qualified to give expression to my views, and who may iiide with me, will take the matter up with a firm and determined spirit; and I skull be content to fall into the ranks, and by action alone give to the furtherance of the object, the aid of mjr time, labor, and purse. I show my faith in the benefits to be derived fey the introduction of Chinese, and "ftftw sincerely and heartily I wish to promote successfully such an end. I will conclude by stating my readinesa to subscribe L2O at any time, when such a sum can be applied to seoars the introduction of a large body of such a sober, patient, industrious and nseful class. as the Chinese gold diggers. I am, &0., '■■ ' .:';. \ ■' .'. ■, ■• ■2. J>.,Ferawo. ,', F.S.—I have not alluded to the benefit to be derived by -the.',G«Vßmmen't,,. n npt being desirous of making this letter too long. '