THE COLOR LINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2668, 25 November 1909, Page 3

THE COLOR LINE.

NAPIER PUBLIC BATHS

PROPOSAL TO BAR CHINESE

The Napier Borough Council, at its last meeting, discussed a motion moved by Councillor Eagleton. “That Chinese be excluded from the bath premises.” He said that Chinese were in the habit of going to the baths and people objected t-Q their presence, lie would bundle them all out of the country. Councillor Plowman, seconded the motion pro forma, but at the same time he wished that Councillor Eagleton would withdraw it, as the Chinese had a Consul in Wellington, and it would be as well not to risk giving offence- to such a powerful nation. The motion, after a discussion in which the Mayor (Mr J. Vigor Brown, M.P.) expressed regret that such a motion had been brought forward, was ruled out of order, as notice had not been given. Councillor Eagleton accordingly gave notice to move it at the next meeting. : i A “New Zealand Times” . reporter had an interview on the subject with the Chinese Consul, Mr. Yung-liang Hwang. “I take it,” observed Mr Hwang, “that the councillor who moved that motion is a gentleman of some iocai eminence, seeing that lie occupies an honorable position, the gift of his follow citizens. It, however, seems clear that lie has not given the careful consideration to the matter that enabled him to come to a just conclusion. He lias not made any definite charge against the Chinese who use the Napier Municipal Baths,, and therefore, of course, in my consular capacity, I have nothing to answer. Representing, my countrymen, however, I merely mention that the presence of Chinese citizens in Napier, borough' is proof of their right to participation in municipal advantages to which they as ratepayers contribute. No country in the world, and no. municipal body either, does or can object to participation of privileges by all citizens of . whatever color or condition, providing they observe the law. set down by the country and the municipality. “I would be glad to know, so that I may definitely understand the position:—(l) Whether the Chinese complained of are citizens of Napier. (2) If they behave with due decorum in the municipal baths. (3) If, supposing a charge is made- by the municipality, these Chinese pay. (4) If they are clothed while in the baths m such a way as to give no offence .to other citicens. And (5) if there is any opposition further than that of one. gentle,man to Chinese, citizens sharing a pastime conducive to the health, cleanlines and well-being of the community of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful towns. , , ... ~ , am Tory sorry that- the matter mis been discussed, for, as far as I no one has ever raised a protest of the kind in New Zealand before. On the broader question of the bundling out, the gentleman mentioned is natural IJ. only speaking in bis individual capacity, and not with the voice of a man with a control in national politics.