§ 35. Captain W. BENNasked the Prime Minister whether the total number of indentured Chinese labourers in Samoa is 1,500; whether all these are to be re-indentured for two years before the issue of the mandate; whether the rate of pay under the re-indenture is to be less than 15s. per week; and whether the planters have made representations with the object of securing a reduction of the wages paid to these Chinese labourers?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)I have not recent figures, but last November the number of indentured Chinese labourers in Samoa seems to have been about 500. I have no information as to the proportion electing to re-indenture or on the other points referred to.
§ Captain BENNHas not the Govern-men consented to the renewal of the two-years indenture system, pending the issue of the mandate?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe Government of New Zealand may have done so. It is not a matter for His Majesty's Government at all.
§ Captain BENNWas His Majesty's Government not consulted?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYSo far as I am aware, the matter is entirely for the control and decision of the New Zealand Government.
§ Captain BENNBut meantime the two-year indenture has been renewed, pending the issue of the mandate?
§ 36. Mr. KILEYasked the Prime Minister whether the Imperial Government, without waiting for the issue of a mandate for the late German colonies in the South Seas, has recently given permission for the re-indenture of Chinese labourers for two years' indenture; whether the Samoan chiefs have taken the strongest exception to Chinese indentured labour; whether one political party in New Zealand is opposing what it affirms to be Chinese slavery; and whether the question of forbidding Chinese indentured labour in the mandated areas will be submitted to the Council of the League of Nations?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYHis Majesty's Government have never at any time been responsible for the administration of Samoa, and the extension to two years was made by the New Zealand Government, as responsible for the administration of the country. Any representations made by the Samoan chiefs will doubtless receive the fullest consideration by that Government. I can say nothing as to the views of political parties in New Zealand. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.