HC Deb 13 April 1904 vol 133 cc79-80
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements have been made to provide for the Chinese indentured labourers during their stay in the Transvaal the ministrations of the priests of their religion and the due celebration of the ceremonial rites of that religion; and, if so, what is the nature of these arrangements and on whom will the expense necessary thereto fall; whether arrangements have been made for the proper observance in Chinese temples of the Chinese festivals of the New Year, the Dragon Boat, the Full Moon, or the Winter Solstice, which, under the provisions of the Ordinance, are declared to be holidays; and will suitable Chinese temples be erected in the compounds; and whether any, and, if so, what, provision has been made to secure that on the voyage between China and South Africa the Chinese indentured labourers shall have the means of celebrating their religious rites, and at whose expense will their idols be provided.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and Leamington

With every desire to assist the hon. Member in his somewhat technical inquiry, I am not in a position as yet to add anything to my previous answer to this Question.†

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

But the right hon. Gentleman promised to procure the information.

MR. LYTTELTON

I promised to do so if the hon. Gentleman continued to take a very keen interest in Chinese ritual.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I do.

MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)

In case of the provision of idols, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that they shall be made in Birmingham?

[No answer was returned.]