2.
11END
"In every country where Chinese have settled you have set up a high standard of conduct and it is generally recognised that a Chinaman's word is his bond. You boys are living here on this lonely little island, miles away from your own country, miles away from your relations and from the graves of your ancestors. Can't you see that you are making a mistake when you quarrel among your- selves. Can't you realise how sad your friends and relations would be if they knew you were bickering over trifles that don't count for anything. Can't you see that you are only making liffi- culties for yourselves if you keep on quarrelling. I appeal to you Sampan boys and I appeal to you Coolies to stop this squabbling and to be good friends. It has always been a pleasure to me to give advice to you boys and I ask you to hold out the hand of friendship to each other and to again be good friends."
After listening attentively to the Administrator's address which was interpreted by the Government Interpreter, a spokesman from each faction conferred with the members of the conference and then announced that both sides were prepared to accept the advice of the Administrator and that the delegates would inform the other people concerned of the decision. The spokesman said that while they could not give a definite assurance until they had consulted the main bodies they felt that the men would adopt the advice. The whole of the delegates then shook hands, gave cheers for each side and departed. The decision was subsequently accepted by the main bodies of Sampan boys and Coolies and the affair has now blown over. Thus ended what may easily have developed into a serious affair.
5.
THE CHINESE QUESTION GENERALLY.
Regarding the incident detailed in the preceding paragraph, it would appear to be appropriate to make a brief reference to the problem of the Chinese worker on Nauru.
It may not be known generally that on this island there are more than twice as many Chinese than the total of the male adults of all the other nationalities.
The recent census figures are as follow:-
Males over 16 years of age
Chinese
Europeans
Nauruans
Other Pacific Islanders
Total
1,099
81
417
514
16
1,613
To the Chinese on this Island, fair play and kindly treatment are invariably extended and as a general rule the Chinese are contented and well behaved. Nevertheless there is always the possibility of unrest arising and the Administration has always to be prepared to act in an emergency. It has been my endeavour to en ure that the welfare of the Chinese workers is safeguarded so completely that confidence in the Administration is secured and the Administrator is thus placed in a position that he can exercise a real influence for peace and harmony over the workers. On several occasions since assuming the Administration of this Island when Chinese labour troubles have been imminent it has happily been my experience (as on this occasion) that the Chinese have been prepared to take my advice in the proper spirit. It is realised that the peace and prosperity of this Island (and, perhaps I may be pardoned for adding the yield in some of the Australian Wheat areas are associated to a remarkably close extent with the contentment and welfare of the Chinese workers of Nauru.
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