The Chinese Camp At Tumut

The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (From, the Independent)

11 December 1888

At the Council meeting on Wednesday night, Ald. Dear asked the Mayor without notice, whether the Council could do something towards the removal of loose women from the Chinese Camp.

He believed there were eight girls of low character now at the Camp, and the place was not only the resort of the Chinese, but for a number of Europeans, especially young men.

Unless the authorities, wished Tumut to become another Narandera or Hay, stringent means of abating the nuisance would have to be taken speedily.

The Mayor: I have spoken to the police several times about the place, and believe that gambling and disorderly conduct goes on there.

I will again communicate with the police and see if something cannot be done.

Ald. Dear: The place is besides in a dangerously insanitary state.

He instanced several points in which the residents of the Camp set public decency and sanitary regulations at defience.

He thought the Inspector of Nuisances should, inspect the place and take proceedings.

Ald. Vernon, said the neighbouring European ratepayers had some objections to taking the initiative towards prosecuting the owner of the brothels, for such certain houses at the Camp undoubtedly were.

This being so, there was nothing for it but for the authorities to take action.

The matter dropped, it being understood that the Mayor would again communicate with the Sergeant of Police with a view to having the Camp cleared of some of its more immoral elements.