The wharf was thronged with a - curious crowd on the arrival of the Waihora this afternoon from Sydney, in consequence of the belief being current that a large number of Austrians were aboard en route for the gumfields, and efforts were to be made to prevent thair landing. The Premier recently notified the shipping com : panics that no more would be per mitted to land unless in accordance with the Kauri Gum Industry Act, that they had sufficient means to maintain themselves for three months. A detachment of the Permanent Force was sent over to reinforce the police, but as there were only two Austrians on board the preparations were un necessary, while, the crowd, who con fidently looked forward to some trouble and excitement, V were fortunately doomed to" disappointment. The police took charge oi the Austrians, who doubtless will be returned unless they can comply with the provisions of the Kauri Gum Industry Act. To-night's Auckland Star, commenting upon the Austrian immigration, raises the ques tion of how far a self-governing colony without special legislation can restrict immigration, and asks if the Govern ment are justified in pursuing the course it has adopted. It is pointed out that there is &o precedent in tk« matter, md adds: " The Premier, instead of being made irresolute through the want of a guiding pre« c«dent, has determined that the Government shall act on its own responsibility in the matter. The step he has taken is based on the ground that an attempt has been made to evade thelaw.Weassumethe Premier would be prepared to exonerate the Austrians themselves in this repect, and to put the blame op the shipping companies: At the same time it is not impossible that as the result of the Utters action, we may find ourselves involved in some difficulty with the Austrian Government."

Desperate Strike Biot.
