Gympie Times and Mary River Mining Gazette, Tuesday, 11 May 1897, p. 3
Some startling evidence was given at Thursday Island before
the Mining Commission as to the progress of Japanese settlement and power in
the Island. The Hon. John Douglas, Government Resident, in his evidence, stated
that if the rate of increase of the Japanese last year were maintained the
whole place must eventually fall into their hands.
At the beginning of the year there were 231 Japanese in town
in various occupations, and 61 had since been added to the total. The Japanese
population in the town, on the ocean, and at seaside stations was probably 900.
A Japanese boat arriving next Monday had 200 Japanese on board for the Island,
and the majority would remain there.
Ship and boat repairing was absolutely in the hands of the
Japanese, and there was not a solitary white man boat repairing on Thursday
Island, although the pearling boats numbered 207, and the bêche-de-mer 359.
They were also large property holders; the Japanese business men were
increasing, and property was gradually falling into their hands.
He regarded the Japs as a positive menace to the white
population. At the conclusion of his examination the Hon. John said there was
every appearance of Thursday Island and its vicinity becoming a Japanese
colony, and stated distinctly a severe blow must be administered if the place
were to be kept for the white race
