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C
existing restrictions are not of any legal value, it becomes most urgent to pass such a measure. Much of the property in Victoria is owned by absentees, whose only object is to get as much interest as they can for their money invested. Chinese Houses, from their cheap construction, and the way they become crowded with tenants, pay much better than European houses. Their existence amongst European dwellings is a nuisance owing to the totally different habits of the two races.
It is to be feared that as the demand for Chinese houses increases with the population, many existing European houses will disappear, unless such a measure is passed. The rates for house rent, already excessively high, will, in such case, be augmented to such an extent that Government servants and Officers of the Garrison will not be able to afford to pay them.