HINDOOS IN DOMINION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 884, 9 December 1916, Page 12

HINDOOS IN DOMINION.

MINISTER INVESTIGATES.

Press Association. AUCKLAND,. December 8. An inquiry into complaints regarding the number of Hindoos who recently have arrived in Auckland, was made yesterday by the Minister of Internal Affairs, now" visiting Auckland. Tho Minister states that the investigations show that the position has been greatly exaggerated "Information I have 'obtained from the Collector of Customs," he said, "shows that daring the year ended November 30 there arrived in Auckland 84 Hindoos, whilst 18 departed. Mr Ridings informs me that 14 more Hindoos are about to leave Auckland for India, and that he has issued between 56" and GO seta of identification papers to- other Hindoos, who also are awaiting au opportunity of securing passages to India. If these latter are leaving the country, it practically will mean a total of at least S2 departures, and that Hindoos are leaving New Zealand as rapidly as they arrive; consequently the cry raised in some quarters lately that there is a prospect of a Hindoo invasion from Fiji may be regarded as unfounded and unworthy of further consideration.'The departures referred to are those of Hindoos leaving the port of Auckland. If any have left with the military reinforcements the fact will be known to the Minister of Defence. No information has reached me regarding any arrivals of Hindoos at any ports other than Auckland.

"It may be as w-tdl to point out," added the' Minister, "that it is only in the case of Chinese that our Immigration Act places a direct barrier against people being allowed to land in the Dominion. The Act provides that any person of other than British or Irish birth or parentage, who desires to land in New Zealand, shall be subject to an education test on arrival. They are required to write out and sign in any European language an application in the prescribed form. Those who are unable to pass Ihis test are not allowed to land. If Hindoos, who, it must be remembered, are British subjects, are able to pass the test, they must be allowed to land. The question of the residence of a very large number of Hindoos in Fiji is not at present at issue; and I do not feel called upon to express an opinion in regard to it."