THE AUSTRIAN INFLUX

Otago Witness, Issue 2342, 19 January 1899, Page 34

THE AUSTRIAN INFLUX

LAUNCESTON, January 17.

The protest of the Zeehan miners against the Austrians was the outcome of a cablegram stating that work could be found for several hundred men in railway construction, and that the Austrians who had beept refused admission to New Zealand were coming to this colony, where the labour market is abundantly supplied at present.

WELLINGTON, January 17. The Premier has sent the following reply, to the manager of the North German Lloyd's Company at Sydney, whose message to Mr Seddon was mentioned in yesterday's cable : — " Cable received. You are putting a construction on a communication received from Union Company never intended. It was not the intention to exclude distinguished and prominent aliens, but the company very properly hold to themselves a discretionary power. Your company should by this time be fully aware of what we are doing, the reason for our action, and to whom the restrictions apply."

AUCKLAND, January 17. Some of the Austrians have left for Taupiri, where, same previously resided. It is stated that 80 leave by a goods train at daylight to-morrow for Onewhiro to dig gum for private speculators on private lands.

The question of the Austrian influx ia still in its international aspect under consideration. Mr Langguth, tho Austrian consul, states that he has received a cable to-day from the Austrian Ambassador in London to the effect that he was still pushing the protest on behalf of the Austriana on the notice of the British Government.