WORLD'S LABOUR PROBLEMS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7685, 8 February 1904, Page 5

WORLD'S LABOUR PROBLEMS.

Chinese for Transvaal.

Strong Wellington Protest.

(By Telegraph — Press Association), Wellington, This Day.

About 400 people attended the public meeting held on Saturday to protest against the introduction of Chinese labour to the Rand mines. The Mayor presided, and the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, and the Hons. McGowan and Kennedy Mac Donald were present.

The Premier, in seconding a resolution condemning the proposal, said it waa never contemplated that the graves of their fallen braves would be desecrated in such a manner. This was an Imperial question, and the Colonies had a right, after sending their sons to win the Transvaal, to express their opinions and protest against the Chinese. The British Government were breaking faith with the Boers, who would have fought to tho last man if they believed such a move was contemplated. He approved of the referendum by the people of the Transvaal, and he denounced the proposal as uniquitous and an attempt to introduce " veiled slavery."

Speeches were also delivered by the Hon. Kennedy McDonald and Messrs Faughton (President of the Trades Council). McTavish (just returned from South Africa), Oregon, and Hampton. Resolutions were carried with acclamation, denouncing the introduction of the Chinese, and commending the action of the Premier and the Wellington Press. The Chief Justice sent a letter sympathising with the objects of the meeting.