Story: Immigration regulation

Page 2. 1881–1914: restrictions on Chinese and others

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Restrictions on immigration were first imposed in 1881. Until then, anyone who arrived in New Zealand had been able to remain in the country, including ‘aliens’ (non-British subjects) who could, after 1844, apply for ‘naturalisation’ and become British subjects.

Fears about the increasing number of Chinese in New Zealand grew during the 1870s. Groups of Chinese first arrived when they were invited to work Otago’s declining goldfields. By 1869 there were about 2,000 Chinese men in New Zealand. Despite this small number, and an 1871 parliamentary report dismissing allegations against Chinese, calls to restrict the entry of Chinese people mounted.

The Chinese Immigrants Act 1881

This act was the first to restrict the entry of a specific group of people. The number of Chinese who could arrive on one ship was limited to one for every 10 tons of the vessel’s volume. A poll tax of £10 was also imposed on each Chinese person entering the country. In 1888 the ratio of Chinese immigrants was cut to one per 100 tons. In 1896, it was halved to one per 200 tons, and the poll tax was increased to £100.

‘A barbarous measure’

In 1881, during a debate in the Legislative Council, a speaker pointed out the hypocrisy in taxing Chinese immigrants before they were admitted to the colony:

‘When we first came to New Zealand did the Maoris ever impose a tax upon us? No: and I will venture to say that we have done a great deal more harm to the Maoris than the Chinese are ever likely to do to us. I think the people who come after us will be thoroughly ashamed and thoroughly astonished at what their progenitors have done, for it is simply an inhuman and barbarous measure.’ 1

Indians and other Asians

Unlike the Chinese, most Indians were British subjects and free to enter New Zealand until the very end of the 19th century. From 1896, despite objections from the British government, New Zealand tried to pass more comprehensive legislation restricting the immigration not just of the Chinese but also of Indians and other Asians.

Immigration Restriction Act 1899

The 1899 act (which was acceptable to the British) was not aimed overtly at Asians. It prohibited the entry of immigrants who were not of British or Irish parentage and who could not fill out an application form ‘in any European language’ – which in practice meant English.

These rules were in place for the next 20 years. But the application form was standard, and applicants could simply memorise a few lines of English. The requirement was used, however, to keep Chinese, Indians and others out.

Under the 1899 act, the Chinese remained subject to the poll tax of £100 and the shipping tonnage restriction imposed in earlier legislation.

Chinese Immigrants Amendment Act 1907

Under the 1907 Chinese Immigrants Amendment Act, Chinese people had to pass an additional English-language reading test, by reading 100 words of English in front of customs officials. The £100 poll tax remained.

Immigration Restriction Amendment Act 1908

The Immigration Restriction Amendment Act 1908 required Chinese people living in New Zealand to place a thumbprint on their certificate of registration before leaving the country, in order to get a re-entry permit. The aim was to prevent the permit being used by another person to enter the country. The Chinese were the only group who had to do this.

Prejudice against Asians

Fear of economic competition was one reason why the entry of Chinese, Indians and other ‘race aliens’ was restricted. Contemporary ideas about Asia and the non-white world were also used to justify the restrictions. But more importantly, there was a strong belief in the superiority of white people and a desire to make New Zealand a ‘Britain of the South’. These views were accompanied by a sense of the dangers of miscegenation (the interbreeding of different races). While there was wide support for what was in effect a ‘White New Zealand’ policy, some people spoke out against the restrictions.

New Zealand was not alone in restricting the entry of race aliens. Poll taxes on Chinese settlers were also levied in Australia and Canada.

Footnotes:
  1. Henry Scotland, New Zealand Parliamentary Debates, 28 June 1881, p. 210. › Back
How to cite this page:

Ann Beaglehole, 'Immigration regulation - 1881–1914: restrictions on Chinese and others', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/immigration-regulation/page-2 (accessed 20 March 2024)

Story by Ann Beaglehole, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 Aug 2015