THE ALLEGED CHINESE EDICT.

The Auckland Star has obtained a literal translation of the alleged Chinese Edict, and »ays it contained nothing beyond some advice and information from the Governor of Canton. An Auckland Celestial, Thomas Quoi, interpreted tho document as follows From the Governor of Canton to the Chinese business people out of China." (No reference whatever is made to New Zealand or to Auckland.) Complaints have been made to tho big Chinese merchants in China by the Chinese people out of China that they have been badly treated. They are advised not to import any more goods from China. The world is wide, and there is plenty of room for the Chinese peoplo at home. Don't let other peopie treat you as they have done. There are plenty of place in China for business." Quoi added that there wan no command by tho Governor of Canton, and that he simply advised them not to remain where they were badly treated neither was there any suggestion as to the Chinese out of the Empire going home within three years, nor any remarks whatever about the Chinoao army, as mentioned m the edict published by the Wellington Post. This circular was considered at a meeting of the Chinese residents of Auckland, and somo twenty of them woro desirous of accepting the advice given thorn. Many hod no monoy to pay their passages, and they experienco a further difficulty in leaving the colony because the steamship companies will not book them to Sydney, whence they might obtain passages lo Hongkong. Thoie present at the meeting resolved to do all m their powor to provide funds towards paying tho passage monoy of those who desire to return home. Timaru Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 4285, 13 July 1888, Page 4


THE CHINESE CIRCULAR FURTHER PARTICULARS. (Auckland Herald, July 9.) A meeting of Chinese residents in J Auckland was held yesterday, to further consider the circular forwarded by the Governor of Cnuton. We have seen ihe document itself. It is very lengthy, and we are indebted to Mr Thomas Ah Quoi for further in formation as to its contents, especi- i ally that portion having reference to t the Chinese now resident in the Aus f trulasian colonies. In regard to the t stoppage of importations from China, t it la not made, an order or edict that I there should be no importations, but the Chiuese merchants and others are recommended to cease importing Chinese goods not only from Hongkong, but from all other ports, The .imports are usually opium, Chinese eilks, teas, &c. Th,- circular gives no reason for this recommendation, but it is distinct on the matter of leaving it optional whether to adopt it or not. It has come to the knowledge of the Governor of Canton that the Colonial Governments have adopted harsh restrictive measures regarding the Chinese, and this has given rise to a great deal of ill-feeling amongst the European and Chinese traders at Hong Kong and other ports, and unpleasant feelings exist as to the treatment of the Chinese in the colonies, but the circular states that if they wish to suffer under the restrictions imposed, no force would be used to stop their business. It points out that there is ample room for the Chinese in their own country, and contrasts the treatment which Chinese receive in tha colonies with the protection afforded !>y the Chinese Government to British traders and subjects in China. Mr Ah Qnoi reiterates that there is nothing whatever in the circular directing Chinese to close their affairs in the colonies and return to China. With respect to the meeting held yesterday— several had been held previously to consider the circular— the piincipal subject und&r discussiou was the project of assisting some Chinese in Auckland, who are desirous of returning home. Some of them have sufficient money to pay their passages, others have not, but the necessary amount would be made np for the latter. There are about twenty in Auckland desirous of returning to China but they cannot get passages, and they complain justly and bitterly tint while the colonial governments prevent them from coining here, they prevent those who wish to do so from qoinc; away. Some have already been detained against their wills for two months. The steamship companies will not book them to Sydney, whence they might obtain passages to Hong Kong, and the result is that if they are kept back much longer, their money will be spent, and they will have nothing to support them lure. It was agreed to make a further effort to get these twenty men who are so anxious to get away passages, and a further meeting will be held on Sunday next. Inangahua Times, Volume XII, Issue 2046, 23 July 1888, Page 2