MR. TAYLORsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether his attention has been called to the practice of importing labourers from the South Sea Islands into Queensland; and if he will lay upon the table any Papers or Correspondence on the subject?
§ MR. ADDERLEYsaid, in reply, that his attention had been called to that subject. The practice had been in existence since the year 1863, and the Reports on the results of importing labourers into Queensland were very favourable, and all that was wanting was such legislation as would insure the proper treatment of the immigrants. Complaints, however, having reached the Colonial Department, inquiries had been made of the Governor, and draft regulations had been sent out both as to the recruiting, shipping, and treatment on landing of such immigrants. The Legislature of Queensland had, however, passed an Act for that purpose which crossed these suggestions on the road, and which 1591 was completely satisfactory. The hon. Member might confer with him as to the parts of the Correspondence on the subject which it would be desirable to produce.