304 
an Enactment from which all hoped a great deal when introduced, as 
it might do a great deal to prevent crimping if it was enforced, and 
the way to get it enforced is to make a fee of some kind. If this were 
done planters would think twice before omitting to register coolies 
on whom a registration fee is due. Government would take the 
trouble to collect the money which might result from the imposition, 
because Government always takes the trouble to collect money 
(Laughter). His motion is intended to secure that the money 
should be handed over to the Immigration Fund for its general 
purpose and he has it at the back of his mind that it is pos- 
sible that the use of any registration fee collected in this way for this 
reason would provide an alternative means of raising revenue for the 
Immigration Committee. He does not know whether the motion as 
it stands expresses the idea that the money so raised should be de- 
voted to the Immigration Fund, and he thinks it might take the 
following form “ That a registration fee of one dollar be imposed 
on every coolie recruited locally, and the amount produced be paid to 
the Immigration Committee for its general purpose. 
Mr. Gibson seconds. The Chairman says he thinks that the idea 
of a registration fee may be a very good one indeed. Government 
will collect it because it is to their interests, and at the end of the year 
they will be able to tell from the records thus secured how many 
coolies have been recruited locally, and from what districts. This will 
give them something useful to work on. 
Mr. Jarvis suggests that it might be a case of “ Pay your money 
and take your coolie/’ 
Mr. Trotter says the collection of the money would have the 
important effect of securing a record as to the extent to which local 
labour was recruited. 
The Chairman remarks that there are many people who consi- 
dered that the present tax of $4 a head is very stiff and if they had to 
pay another dollar in addition he does not think they would take on 
local labour, but recruit in India. The tax will enable them to see 
where the coolies are going. He cannot see any reason why the 
planters should be against it. 
In reply to a question as to the staff necessary to look after the 
registration, the Chairman says this must be left to the authorities. 
The motion is carried with only one dissentient. 
4. JAVANESE LABOUR. 
The Chairman remarks that the meeting has heard the corres- 
pondence and enquires whether the Association wishes to do anything 
more in the matter? 
No further action is taken. 
