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they are coming for, and that they are not returned to their own island, but to any island which happens to be most convenient. I have inquired most carefully into each ground of complaint, talking over the subject with ships' captains, Government agents, Polynesian inspectors, and Kanakas themselves, and I think I am thoroughly justified in the conclusion that there is absolutely no foundation for such reports in the existing system. There have been grave abuses in the past. Men are, I believe, still undergoing punishment for the part they took in them; but recruiting as it is now carried on, is above the shadow of reproach."
It is hoped that the foregoing statement will conclusively prove to all unbiased persons that the honour of Queensland with regard to the employment of Polynesian labour on the plantations of the Colony, has been clearly vindicated, and that while the Colony, by means of this labour, has been enabled to maintain an important industry, the labourers themselves have been benefited by being brought under Christianising influences, and by being inculcated with habits of thrift and industry.
