Chinese Traders

Disturbed Conditions in the Solomons

From a Special Correspondent.

TULAGI, August 1.

THE struggle between Europeans and Chinese for the available native trade in this group is becoming acute.

It is a deplorable condition of affairs.

Just at a time when the British planters are forced by the copra slump to turn more to trading than is usual, in order to make a livelihood, the Administration has deemed it wise to offer all possible encouragement and facilities to the Chi nese to engage in trading. The thing, apart from its injustice, is humiliating to the Europeans, and the bitterness which they are displaying towards their Administration is reaching a dangerous point.

Here is an account of what actually happened recently at Ivatu, Guadalcanal.

Mr. H. C. Corry, a planter of 25 years’ residence, owns a copra plantation there, and, as copra is not payable at the moment, he has engaged in trading. He and his wife are making a brave fight of it. Their children are away at school.

Conditions being as they are, Mr. Corry has not been away from the group for years.

On May 19, Mr. Corry was in bed, very ill, with an attack of gastric malaria.

His wife had gone to his store to issue the weekly ration of tobacco to the native labourers. There had been a Chinese trading schooner anchored there for some days. Mr. Corry had frequently warned the Chinese that they were not allowed to land on his property. But, in spite of this, Mrs. Corry found a boat from the Chinese vessel ashore, touting for trade from the local natives. The latter came there on marketing day (every Saturday) to purchase requirements from the native that Mr. Corry has in charge of his store.

Mrs. Corry went to the beach and sent a message to the Chinese that he must withdraw his boat. Half an hour later the boat was still there. She then got one of the crew of Mr. Corry’s launch to take her alongside the Chinese vessel, and quietly and courteously told the China man that this was European property, and he must remove his boat. As she was being rowed back to the beach she was followed by a string of shouted abuse from the Chinaman, which continued while she walked up the beach out of hearing.

The following day, Mrs. Corry reported the incident to the District Officer. A little later, the D.O. called. Mr. Corry was then recovered, and was able to ques tion the boy who took his wife out in the boat. He learned that the language direct ed at her by the Chinaman was of the vilest description and so he requested the D.O. to proceed by summons. He asked the D.O. if it would not be advisable to have several witnesses. The D.O. said that one would be enough. Mr. Corry took the precaution of obtaining a second witness —he could have obtained a dozen if he had wanted them.

The case was heard on June 11. Mrs.

Corry and the boat boy gave evidence.

Mrs. Corry could not understand what the Chinaman said; but the native was able to repeat some of the foul language. The other native witness got stage fright and could only' say “Chinaman talk no good” and would not repeat the words he had heard.

The Chinaman denied even having

shouted at Mrs. Corry, and his crew called as witnesses supported him.

The magistrate said he could not find that bad language had been used; but he found that the Chinaman had shouted at Mrs. Corry, and fined him £2.

The Chinaman produced a roll of notes and, in an insolent manner, slapped four 10/- notes down on the bench in front of the District Officer and said: “No matter, two pounds he nothing.”

It was a ridiculous verdict. If the Chinaman did not use bad language, but merely shouted he had committed no of fence, and should have been acquitted.

It is apparently clear that the wife of a highly respected British planter has been bawled at by a Chinese coolie in front of a crowd of natives. For this con dition of affairs many people in these Islands are blaming a feeble and futile Administration.