Post by nzbc on Dec 9, 2021 23:37:09 GMT 12
Chinese in Samoa.
QiesHoi of Reiidestoriiig.
A copy of correspondence recently passed between the Chinese Commissioner at Apia and the Administration of Western Samoa was left at the Samoa Times office this week. On application to the office of the Chinese Commissioner, we were favoured with the following translation of the Chinese text : Administrator's Office, Apia. STATEMENT TO LABOURERS WHOSE CONTRACTS EXPIRE 31st JULY, 1921. On 31st July, 1921, the Contracts of the old labourers will expire. For some time past the Chinese Commissioner has endeavoured to get>the Consul to consider and discuss the term upon which the old labourers would be permitted to re-engage. The Chinese Consul would not iliscuss the proposals, and on the Ist March informed the Chinese Commissioner that he was cabling to Pekin. On the 3rd March the Chinese Commissioner informed the Consul that it was necessary to ascertain at once what lahourers wished to return to China, and for that purpose he desired to publish the terms of the new contract not later than 15th March. On 7 th March the Chinese Consul informed the Chinese Commissioner that ,he was unable to discuss the contract until receipt of a reply from Pekin. On the 15th March the Chinese Consul informed the Administrator that as the Chinese Government did not approve the old labourers entering into any new contract, it fHe right of the labourers becoming free settlers. On the 6th March the Administrator informed the Chinese Consul that the right of free settlement could not be granted, and desired to know il the Chinese intended to force the repatriation against the those labourers who wished to «tay. t On the 17th Mar oh the Chinese Consul wrote to the AdnaiMatrator
as follows :—. "I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 16th instant, and to note that your Administration will not grant the old labourers the right of becoming free settlers in Western Samoa, it being contrary to the definite policy decided by the New Zealand Government. It is the express wish of my Government that if your Administration refuses to grant the above-mentioned right, none of the old labourers will be permitted to re-indenture, and their repatriation must consequently follow after the expiry of their present contract." The present position therefore is, that the Chinese Consul, acting for the Chinese Government, desires that none of the old labourers shall remain in Samoa after 31st July, 1921, though the Administration is willing to enter into a new contract with selected men, if suitable terms can be arranged. The letters referred to in this statement may be seen at the office of -the Chinese Commissioner on application. W. M. Bell, Capt., A.D.C. Secretary to the Administration. Central Office, . 25th March, 1921. .
SAMOANISCHE ZEITUNG, VOLUME 21, ISSUE 14, 2 APRIL 1921
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SAMZ19210402.2.5?items_per_page=10&page=17&query=chinese&snippet=true