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morning they were leaving the town peaceably in all directions for different mining quarters. I have, &c, W. E. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Knutsford.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honour to return the circular despatch of the 23rd January last from the Bight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and, in compliance with the request therein contained, to forward a copy of " The Chinese Immigrants Act, 1881," which was passed with the view of regulating the immigration of subjects of China, who, although orderly and law-abiding, from their manners and customs were not considered the most desirable persons to be encouraged to settle in the colony. This Act was reserved for and received the assent of Her Majesty. A copy of the Gazette of the 27th April, 1882, containing the regulations under the Act, at page 630, is also forwarded. The Premier has the honour to add that since the passing of the Act the Chinese in the colony have remained practically stationary; but this has probably arisen from other causes than through its operation. There is now, however, a very strong feeling against any increase in their number, and much pressure is being put upon the Government to introduce into Parliament measures of a very stringent nature. The Premier, however, hopes this will be avoided if Her Majesty's Government takes the question in hand, and enters into a treaty with China restricting the introduction of Chinese labour into the Australian Colonies upon the basis of the treaty between the United States of America and China. The Government has introduced into Parliament a Bill, which has been read a second time, and will no doubt be passed, simply adding to the Act of 1881 further disabilities, such as are contained in the Act of the Victorian Parliament of the 24th December, 1881. The chief reason for the strong feeling that has lately arisen against further Chinese immigration is the fear that the closing of the American and Australian ports may cause an immediate and Large influx of Chinese into New Zealand who would otherwise have found their way into those countries. Premier's Office, Wellington, 16th May, 1888. H. A. Atkinson, Premier.

Telegram from the Secretary of State. Received 19th May, 1888. Telegrams from colonial Governments relative to Chinese being carefully considered. Replies will he sent by earliest possible date.

Telegram from the Secretary of State. Received 22nd May, 1888. In answer to your telegram of the 12th of May, you may assent. Despatch by mail.

Telegram from the Secretary of State. Received 2nd June, 1888. Referring to my telegram of the 22nd May, as Conference meets 12th June, I shall defer expressing opinion further, pending result. Despatch by mail postponed.

Telegram to the Secretary of State. sth June, 1888. Referring to your telegram of Ist June, presume you do not wish me to withhold assent to Bill. Provisions of Bill temporary, covering only about one year, and do not apply to Chinese immigrants who may have left for New Zealand from China before 10th June. All things considered, I think Bill should be assented to.

(New Zealand, No. 50.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 7th June, 1888. I have the honour to report that the Hon. Richard Oliver has been appointed to represent New Zealand at the approaching Conference to be held at Sydney on the Chinese immigration question. Though Mr. Oliver is not in the present Ministry, he has been a member of previous Governments, altogether for a period of about five years. Parliament being in session, it was impossible for a Minister from New Zealand to attend the Conference. I have, &_., W. E. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Bight Hon. Lord Knutsford, &c.

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