CHINESE IMMIGRANTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22709, 23 October 1935, Page 8

CHINESE IMMIGRANTS

, AN OFFENSIVE STATUTE REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, October 22. The retention in the immigration legislation of clauses aimed specifically at Chinese was criticised by Mr Barnard during the second reading debate on the Immigration Restriction Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr Barnard said that the main Act -of 1908 and the amendment of 1910 contained clauses which were extremely offensive to Chinese people. They were not required. The position in connection with Chinese immigration was covered by subsequent Acts. The Minister of Finance, Mr Coates, said it was not intended to overhaul "the immigration legislation this session. The position had been discussed with 'the Consul for China some time ago, but at the Government's request the representations were temporarily withdrawn pending an amendment to the Act. "I think that is the position," said Mr Coates, turning towards Mr Downie Stewart. Mr Stewart; The position was that we refrained from removing the poll, tax until we saw how the new Act worked. Mr Coates said he would be glad to note Mr Barnard's representations so that the Government could deal with them vest session.