§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the negotiations with the Government of China on the question of Chinese emigration to Australia have been completed; and, if so, what settlement of the matter has been come to?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONNo settlement in regard to this question has yet been arrived at. Some of the Colonial Governments, whom it was necessary to consult, have not yet expressed their views. Answers have now been requested of them by telegraph.
§ MR. W. REDMONDHow long have the negotiations been going on? Early last Session, when I put a question upon 292 the subject, I was told that the negotiations were nearly complete.
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONThat is so; but the hopes which were then entertained were disappointed. I am not able to say when the negotiations will be finally concluded.
§ MR. W. REDMONDIs the matter now awaiting the consent of the Australian Colonies?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONYes, Sir; or rather of some of them.