THE COLOUR LINE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16780, 8 July 1922, Page 8

THE COLOUR LINE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —To re-assure “ Traveller ” I may say I am quite white. But how white is “Traveller?” He says “ T don’t understand the attitude of the Bench . . . and obviously on this case the manners were on the side of the rejected customers.” Is h© quite sure about this in view of the Court’s decision? If the letter is a sample of the kind of judgment which 44 Traveller ” exercises I dispute his claim to be guardian of the “ City’s tolerance and intelligence.” He asks what I would do in India, etc. I would follow the course adopted by all sensible Europeans and go to the hotels which cater for the white people—and whites only. According to \'our correspondent—l would find thousands of European and Indian subjects actually breathing the same air and mutually assisting in liv-

ing in good fellowship each in his own sphere of life. I think each keeps ver7 much to his own sphere, and the class distinction is drawn there with even I more emphasis. But I do not intend to cite India as an example though even the natives have a caste system. New | Zealand ought to have enough independence to set her own standard. “ Traveller ” might have some argument if there was no room in India., but the country is not over populated, for two-thirds of the people live in onequarter of the area.—l am, etc., WHITE NEW ZEALAND. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —A good deal of maudlin nonsense has appeared in your correspondence columns lately in connection with the colour line. I have every sympathy with the gentleman from India who feels that he is aggrieved, but at the eamo time I think it would be a great mistake if New Zealand, did not draw the colour line. Even with the Maoris, than whom no finer native rac© exists the colour line is drawn to a certain extent. At some of the hairdressing saloons in Palmerston North, Hastings and other North Island towns, I have seen notices posted up stating that no Maoris will be attended to. And of course, in India, the colour line is very pronounced, even among the Indians, some of whom think themselves so much better than others that they will not eat any food that the shadow of a person of lower caste has fallen upon. L have not been to India, but I have been to South Africa, where as far as Cape Town is concerned the colour line hardly exists. And I want to say this: If ever New Zealahd allows the same liberty to the coloured races as is allowed in Cape Town, God help New Zealand. Here is a very pointed paragraph taken from the theatre notes in to-day’s “ Star.” It speaks for itself and is well worth repeating:—According to Harry Thurston, the famous English comedian now appearing at Fuller’s New Theatre. Sydney, Africi has become almost intolerable to theatrical performers. “ I have nothing to say against theatrical managers or managments.” he remarked, “ but against the nigger. He is gradually asserting himself and making himself thoroughly objectionable. On my last visit they were allowed to sit in theatres alongsido white people. They are unintelligent, and their presence is distasteful. Personally, I would like to see Americons take control of these coloured people. They would quickly put them in their place, and Africa would be a better place for everybody*. I cannot understand how white people can mb shoulders with them, especially in theatres and picture places. It is a state of affairs that should be stopped at once.” Might I ask “ Puzzled,” “ Traveller” and your other correspondents if they want these conditions to prevail in New Zealand.—l am, etc., COMMON SENSE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The question asked by “ Puzzled ” as to whether the colour lino is to be drawn in Heaven is more than my free, secular ana. compulsory education is able to answer. I might ask “Puzzled” to wait and see. Perhaps he could consult an individual who nightly gives demonstration of occult powers at a well-known theatre. These stunts have included all sorts of things from finding missing relatives to predicting that New Zealand will not go dry. I think, sir, your correspondent .has done me a high compliment in asking my opinion as to heavenly matters, but the only halo I possess is round my signature.—l am, etc. A SENTIMENTAL BLOKE.