For Plantation Work

275 Chinese Coolies Arrive in Samoa

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, August 4.

THE Chinese transport Seistan arrived at Apia on July 27, bringing a batch of 275 newly recruited Chinese coolies.

On the 19 days’ trip from Hongkong several stowaways were discovered hid den on board. Amongst them was a Well known identity of Apia—a tailor named Ah Quoi, whose case had been before the New Zealand Parliament a few years ago and who had been repatriated, leaving a Samoan wife and a family of 13 children behind. Ah Quoi, who had made an un successful attempt to return to Samoa by the last transport, was allowed to land this time, after having paid the usual landing deposit of £50.

The new coolies seem to be of the sturdy and frugal peasant type, most suitable for plantation work in Samoa. About 30 of the new men are reported to have worked in Samoa previously. That the reduced rate of 1/9d per day has not lessened the supply of labour is shown by the fact that men stow away to get to Samoa.

Over 400 of the time expired coolies were repatriated by the Seistan, when she left on July 30. Hundreds of Samoans, Samoan women and their relations gath ered around the wharf to farewell the de parting labourers. Notwithstanding rumours on the beach, only six of the 400 men due for repatriation failed to put in an appearance. Consequently, they will be treated as deserters.