During the past week the Chinese labour question has been
under discussion in both Houses of Parliament. In the Lords on Monday, in reply to Lord Coleridge, the Duke of Marl- borough quoted a telegram from the Governor of Hong-kong stating that the Chinese emigrants had been made thoroughly aware of the provisions for taking out their families, but that none of them took advantage of the privilege. It was im- possible to say how many might take advantage of it later on, but every encouragement would be given to them to do sq. In the Commons on Wednesday the Colonial Secretary ex- plained the alteration of the wages assigned to the Asiatics He did not deny that be had given an assurance that the wage should be two shillings a day, whereas the minimum now assigned to the Chinese will be no more than one shilling a day, or fifteen shillings a month less than the lowest amount paid to the Saffirs. He explained that he had given the assurance under a misapprehension of the facts, and that he now finds the Chinese will be willing, and even eager, to work for the smaller wage, though he is convinced that as a rule the sum earned will be at least fifty shillings a month.
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