THE INDIAN COOLIE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 99, 20 April 1914, Page 4

THE INDIAN COOLIE.

A New Zealander, writing to the Auckland “Herald” from Lautoka, Fiji, sounds a note of warning on the subject of the Indian coolie danger. “Having lived for a number of years in Fiji,” he says, “I have had ample opportunity of studying the coolie question. I unhesitatingly say that if the importation of coolies at the present rate is permitted, very serious racial troubles will face New Zealand in the near future. Coolies are imported into Fiji under "a four years’ indenture, and work during that term for Is per day. They are instructed in all the work pertaining to farming (ploughing, weeding, care of horses and cattlp, etc.). In many cases they become adopts in the work. Even when the coolie has finished his term of indenture hfe is quite willing to work for Is 6d'per day, and this for every class of unskilled labor—navvying, road-making, ditching, wharf-lumping, cart-driving. At a very low estimate 30 per cent, of the imported coolies are in a position, after they have been in Fiji for five or six years, to purchase from one to four acres of land, off which they amass, according to their light, comfortable fortunes. Is further comment necessary? How long will it take them to freeze you out once they become established?” It is stated that the coolie from Fiji is invading .the North New Zealand districts, and if so it would bo well if the authorities gave close attention to the matter.