PACIFIC ISLAND LABOURERS.

No. 22 of 1906.

An Act to amend the Pacific Island Labourers Act 1901.

[Assented to 12th October, 1906.]

BE it enacted by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—

Short title.

1. This Act may be cited as the Pacific Island Labourers Act 1906, and this Act and the Pacific Island Labourers Act 1901 shall be read together, and the Pacific Island Labourers Act 1901 as amended by this Act may be cited as the Pacific Island Labourers Act 1901-1906.

2. After section eight of the Pacific Island Labourers Act 1901 the following section is inserted:—

Certificates of exemption

8a.—(1.) The Minister may grant a certificate to any Pacific Island labourer excepting him from all or any of the provisions of this Act.

(2.) Certificates under this section shall be of two classes, namely—

(a) general certificate to be issued only to a Pacific Island labourer who proves to the satisfaction of the Minister—

(i) That he was introduced into Australia prior to the first day of September, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine; or

(ii) That he is of such extreme age, or is suffering from such bodily infirmity as to be unable to obtain a livelihood if returned to his native island ; or

(iii) That having been married before the ninth day of October, One thousand nine hundred and six, to a native of some island other than his own, he cannot be deported without risk to the life of either himself or his family; or

(iv) That he has been married before the ninth day of October, One thousand nine hundred and six to a female not a native of the Pacific Islands; or

(v) That he was on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and six, and still is, registered as the beneficial owner of a freehold in Queensland; or

(vi) That he has been continuously resident in Australia for a period of not less than twenty years prior to the thirty-first day of December, One thousand nine hundred and six; and

(b) special certificate (not to be issued or remain in force after the thirtieth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and seven), to be issued to a Pacific Island labourer whom in the opinion of the Minister it will not be convenient to return to his island immediately after the thirty-first day of December, One thousand nine hundred and six.

(3.) A special certificate under this section shall, subject to the terms and conditions expressed in the certificate, have the effect of excepting the Pacific Island labourer mentioned therein from any specified provisions of this Act, but may be cancelled by the Minister at any time.

(4.) A general certificate under this section shall, subject to the terms and conditions expressed in the certificate, have the effect of excepting the Pacific Island labourer mentioned therein from any specified provisions of this Act, but may be cancelled by the Minister if at any time he has reason to think such certificate has been obtained by false and fraudulent representation.

Aiding and abetting the obtaining a certificate.

3. Any person aiding or abetting any Pacific Island labourer in the obtaining a certificate of exemption by means of false and fraudulent representation to the Minister shall be deemed guilty of an offence against this Act.

Penalty.

Penalty: Fifty pounds, or three months imprisonment, or both.