- Chinese were the only immigrants who had to pay.
- First act 1881 as result of Inter Colonial Conference 1881.
- With decrease in economy, increase in discrimination -
depression late 1870s.
- As well as having to pay the poll tax, they could not become naturalised
New Zealanders, could not serve on a jury and could not be elected to a local
body (eg. City Council).
- 1893 - Richard John Seddon became Prime Minister - he was the most
radical anti-Chinese politician.
- 1895 - rejected law due to definition of Anti-Asiatic.
- If a Chinese migrant went home and re-entered after 4 years, he had
to pay again.
- 1934 - Customs Department decided to waive collecting the fee.
- 1935 - The first Labour Government came into power and was
more sympathetic.
- 1937 - The Chinese Association formed.
- 1937 - Chinese were fighting against Japan - attitude of
NZrs changed from "Yellow Peril" to "our brave allies".
- 1944 - The poll tax was formally repealed.
- 308,080 pounds were earned from the poll tax between 1881-1944.
This material has been produced by UNITEC Institute of Technology
under contract to the Ministry of Education.
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