THE CHINESE QUESTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 18

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

(Per Press Association.) London, May 22. The Chinese difficulty in Australia is causing a great deal of attention here. The Morning Post considers that the isolated action of the New South Wales Government lacks weight, and that they should have co-operated with the other colonies. Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of New South Wales, has cabled to Mr H. Heaton, M.P. for Canterbury, that nine-tenths of the population of that colony support the Government in their action in preventing an influx of Chinese. He also states that the Legislative Council are certain to agree to the bill he has introduced. Sydney, May 22. A writ of habeas corpus is to be applied to all Chinese passengers who wish to pay the poll tax. The Federated Seamen's Union have decided to recommend that the Chinese be boycotted. In the Legislative Assembly to-day Mr G. R. Gibbs, member for Murrumbidgee, gave notice of motion of a direct vote of censure on the Government in connection with their action in dealing with the Chinese question. The motion requests the withdrawal of the Chinese Bill introduced by Government. As the motion is considered one of want of confidence in the Government, the House at ence adjourned. At the anti-Chinese demonstration to-night it was resolved to petition the Legislative Council to pass the Chinese Restriction Bill. The Council of the Federal Seamen's Union I have decided to request all maritime organisations to substitute European for Chinese labour, and also that the San Francisco and Chinese boats should be requested to do the same. Melboubnf, May 22. The Government have decided to allow the detained Chinese to land on payment of the poll tax, but have stipulated, in accordance with a recent proclamation, that they must reside in the localities specially set apart for them. Adelaide, May 22. The Hon. S. Playford, Premier and Treasurer, has communicated by cable with Sir Harry Atkinson, Premier of New Zealand, asking if that colony can be represented at the Chinese Conference by a member of the Executive Council.