CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907 — Page 33

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Plaint by 1,300 odd Chinese in the employ of

the Germane in Samoa.

C.O

16278

RECE (Rx' 7 MAY 07

The eleven conditions of inviting labourere

to Samoa posted up in different places were altered

during the voyage and petitionere were told that

they would be given $7.50 a month only. The con-

tract was held by the Master, but they could not

escape though they knew they were in the trap. On

arrival they found their apprehension realised; the

contract was not at all observed and new conditions

were poeted up for them, treating them as Chu Chai.

They have to wear numbers when walking in the streets

to prevent them from appealing to the Court. They are

always beaten with 5 strokes first before they could

have their plaint heard and then they were again

badly treated;

afterwards the master would also give

punishment. So the master can do what he wishes

without fear of opposition.

Recently a man sur-

named Wong, a native of Kwongsi, was beaten to

death for eating fruit when working.

Tens of

men