The official cormspondence between Mr. Lyttelton and the Governor of
Cape Colony on the subject of Asiatic labour for South Africa was published on Tuesday. Sir W. Hely- Hutchinson had, early in January, informed Mr. Lyttelton that the Prime Minister of Cape Colony still adhered to the views expressed by his Ministry last August,—viz., that the proposed measure would discourage white immigration, check the civilisation of the natives, and delay Federation. Mr. Lyttelton in reply declares that the Imperial Government adheres to the policy of treating the Transvaal as a self- governing Colony "unless a distinct Imperial interest is con- cerned." He goes on to say that the Bloemfontein Conference contemplated the introduction of Asiatic, unskilled labourers as a temporary expedient. Speaking in the House on Thurs- day, Mr. Lyttelton further defined the position of the Government. Opportunities for discussing the question in the House would be afforded before the Draft Ordinance came into force, but only during the debate on the Address. He further stated that as the Government were convinced that the introduction of Chinese labour was in accordance with the wishes of the people of the Transvaal, they did not think a Referendum necessary. Mr. Lyttelton, it seems to us, has hardly the courage of his convictions. If discussion is otiose and unnecessary, why have it?
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