GROWERS RESENT ASIATICS’ TRADE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 146, 22 June 1931, Page 5

GROWERS RESENT ASIATICS’ TRADE.

“DEPORT THEM,” SAYS ASSOCIATION MEMBER

If Mr R. Beckett, a fruitgrower of the city, had his way, the Police Force of New Zealand would work overtime checking up the Asiatics, seeing that no stray yellow faces appeared on the streets between nine o’clock at night and sunrise, that every one had a residential pass, and that those persons who let them shops were taxed 20 per cent on rent. Mr 11. Rushworth, another fruitgrower, would go one better—deport them all and give each his £IOO back. These proposals were made, in all seriousness in the case of Mr Beckett, at the meeting of the Christchuch Tomato and Stone Fruit Growers’ Association on Saturday evening. They were prompted by a remark from the chairman, Mr ' H. T. Falla, as to whether any member had additional remits to forward to the New Zealand conference to be held in Wellington in August. A Job Lot. Mr Beckett said he had some. “ Would y ou have them one by one, or all together? This is an old thing Yvith me,” he added. “ We will haY T e them together,” replied the chairman. These Yvere the proposals read by Mr Beckett: — “ (1) That no Asiatics be permitted to land in Ncyv Zealand for a period of ten years, with the exception of those on holiday. “ (2) That all Asiatics landing in New Zealand for a holiday report to the police in each town until they lea Y-e. “ (3) That Asiatics are not allowed to lie out after 9 p.m. until sunrise without a special pass from the police. “ (4) That all Asiatics residing in New Zealand carry a residential pass, to be renewed each month at the nearest police station. “ (5) That all OYvners letting shops or land to Asiatics be charged a tax of 20 jier cent on rent.” Mute Amazement. Those Y- ere the five remits, and the thirty or forty members present gazed at Mr Beckett in amazement. Then thev smiled. Not so Mr Beckett. Mr Beckett said that New Zealanders could not work against Asiatics. He maintained that New Zealanders had fought for their country, while in that time the Asiatics had had the benefit of their wages. ” Why can’t we be permitted to live in the country yvc fought for?” he wanted to know. The chairman: Is there not a dangei of ns hurting our Chinese friends? A voice: And losing buyers! Mr Rushworth: I move that the Government be asked to deport all Chinese and give them back their hundred pounds. Silence fell on the fruitgrowers and no seconder for the motion was forthcoming. Mr C. J. Fineran asked if the whole thing was not ridiculous. Approving nods greeted the remark. The remit was finally drafted in tb

form: “That the Asiatic question be looked into and discussed.” In this form it was agreed to send it to the