483 



Misc. 1284/1908. Singapore, 21st August, 1908. 



Sir, 



I am directed to enclose copies of telegrams which have passed be- 

 ween us on the subject of the date of the Second Reading of the Tamil 

 Immigration Fund Amendment Bill. 



2. The Second Reading has now been fixed for the 4th September, 

 which will give time for the views of the Planters' Association of Malaya, 

 formulated at the meeting to be held on the 30th August, to be placed 

 before the Government. 



3. I am to suggest that Mr. Clayton might be asked to attend the 

 meeting so as to afford any explanation of the proposed legislation which 

 may be desired by Members of the Association. 



I have, etc., 

 (Sgd.) Claud Severn. 

 Ag, Secretary to High Commissioner, F. M. S. 



Copy of telegram from Mr. Harrison to Secretary to High Com- 

 missioner dated the 19th August, 1908 : — 



" Time allowed for discussion Immigration Bill insufficient for my 

 Association ; we ask for postponement ; meeting Association called 23rd 

 August." 



To Mr. Harrison dated the 19th August, 1908 :— 



" Second Reading Immigration Fund Bill postponed to 28th August." 



From Mr. Harrison dated the 19th August, 1908 : — 



" Date of Meeting should be 30th not 23rd." 



To Mr. Harrison dated the 20th August, 1908 :— 



" Second Reading fourth September ; suggest Clayton be asked 

 attend meeting thirtieth afford any explanations members may desire." 



2. The Secretary further informs the Meeting that he has received 

 the following letters from the Penang, Kapar and Negri Sembilan 

 Associations respectively : — 



Penang, 20th August, 1908. 



The Secretary, P. A. M. 

 Dear Sir, 



We are in receipt of your wire of yesterday's date and confirm 

 having replied to you as follows : — 



" Think there is no necessity for meeting ; majority of delegates of 

 this Association in favour of Immigration Bill with the following amend- 

 ment : — Definition of Employer — A person who pays for work done by 

 Tamil labourers to some person other than the labourers shall be consider- 

 ed to be the employer of such labourers unless he shall prove to the 

 satisfaction of the Superintendent that the Assessment on the labourers has 

 already been paid." 



This amendment we are given to understand is to be introduced by 

 the Chairman of the Immigration Committee and has your President's 

 support as well as that of Mr. Turner. 



