CHINESE IMMIGEATION COMMITTEE.

5

H.—No. sa.

that the Chinese should have become so very numerous in this country as to outnumber the European miners, or even to incommode them by largely occupying the auriferous ground, or by too keen a competition in the labour market. It is a common argument against the Chinese that they do not come to this country as settlers, but merely to get what gold they can, and then return to their native land with the proceeds of their industry. But it appears to me that tho case would be much worse were they to settle permanently in the Colony in large numbers. As a race, they are by no means to be desired as colonists. Having regard to the future progress of New Zealand, I would say that a large admixture of an inferior race must necessarily lower the tone of the population, and diminish the chances of New Zealand realizing the dreams of those who expect her to become the Great Britain of the South. 2. As to the temper of the European miners in my districts, I have to report, that as yet no strong feelings havo been aroused. The fact is, that the Chinese are not here in any great force, and that they do not, as a rule, come in any way into competition with the Europeans. European miners will not in this district work ground that cannot be sluiced. All the available water is in the hands of European mining companies ; and the Chinese can therefore only " fossick " about on ground that would otherwise remain untouched for years. Still there is a vague general feeling of distrust and ■dislike of the Chinese, although no positive complaint can be urged against them. I have, &c, C. E. Haughton Esq., M.H.R., H. W. Robinson, Chairman of Gold Fields Committee. Warden. Mr. J. B. Borton to Mr. C. E. Haughton. Sir,— Roxburgh, 29th August, 1871. In reply to your telegram of the 26th instant, I have the honor to report as follows: — I have long entertained the opinion that any extensive immigration of Chinese cannot but be detrimental to the best interests of the gold fields ; and I base this opinion on the following facts : — 1. They are not a permanent addition to the population. 2. A great portion, if not the whole, of the ground wrought by them would otherwise be occupied by Europeans. 3. AVhenever congregated in numbers, they deal principally with Chinese storekeepers, and thus the money they necessarily spend finds its way to China. 4. Their presence deters a more desirable population from settling. 5. Great difficulty exists in making them understand and become amenable to the law. With regard to the latter portion of your telegram, I am of opinion that the general feeling of tho great bulk of the European miners towards the Chinese is more or less hostile ; and the idea seems to be very general that every Chinaman introduced into the country is a wrong done to the whole population. I have, &c, C. E. Haughton, Esq., M.H.R, J. B. Borton, Chairman of Gold Fields Committee. Warden. Mr. E. 11. Carew to Mr. C. E. Haughton. Sir,— AVarden's Office, Blacks, 30th August, 1871. In accordance with your telegraphic message, dated 26th August instant, I have tho honor to report that my opinion of the effects of Chinese immigration upon the gold field is, that thereby a large portion of auriferous wealth is being alienated with the least benefit to the Colony; and I beg to state that I have formed this opinion principally from the following premises : — 1. That the gold fields serve as a powerful agent in promoting European immigration into the Colony, and that gold, being an exhaustible resource, the mining of several thousand Chinese must materially reduce tho attractiveness of the gold fields, and consequently check the immigration of a desirable class. 2. That the Chinese are not permanent or desirable settlers. 3. That they contribute less to the public revenue than other miners, although they enjoy the same privileges (excepting the restrictions of aliens). 4. That the profits of mining and of trade of Europeans are, to a very much larger extent, retained in the Colony than those made by the Chinese, who carry them away to add to the wealth of the Chinese Empire. There are very few Chinese within this district, but I feel convinced that, should any considerable number seek to settle here, they would meet with strong opposition from the other miners; and that, should any antagonistic movement be made against the Chinese in any part of this Province, it would here meet with sympathy, if not with assistance. Many persons who at one time did not object to their presence, now that the number is so largely increasing, look with much anxiety to, in their opinion, the necessity for some restraining power to prevent any further influx. I have, &c., E. H. Carew, C. E. Haughton, Esq., M.H.R., Warden. Chairman of the Gold Fields, Committee. Mr. W. L. Simpson to Mr. C. E. Haughton. Sir, — Warden's Office, Lawrence, 30th August, .1871. I am in receipt of your telegram of the 26th instant, requesting my opinion upon the effect of Chinese immigration upon the gold fields, and a report as to the temper of the European miners in this district towards the Chinese. 2