§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether any telegrams have been received from the Governor of New South Wales on the question of landing Chinese passengers per the Afghan in that Colony, and the consequent indignation existing throughout Australia; what steps the Home Government have taken in the matter; and, at what port in China did the Afghan embark her passengers?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir JOHN GORST)(who replied) said (Chatham)A telegram was received on Tuesday last from the Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales, stating that the Ministers have decided to prevent any more Chinese immigrants landing in Sydney, and that those in the two ships now in harbour will be sent back to China. At the instance of the owners of the Afghan, Her Majesty's Government have re- 1821 quested the Government of New South. Wales to give assistance to the commander of the vessel in the event of the Chinese on board resisting the order to return or attempting to force a landing. Her Majesty's Government have been informed of the strong feeling in Australia that the immigration of Chinese labourers should be restricted; and the whole subject of the relations between China and the Colonies is receiving careful consideration. The Afghan sailed from Hong Kong.