[Letterhead in black ink:] DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.

[Stamped in red ink, 'TRADE & CUSTOMS 20 [?] 10', '10758'.]

[Stamped in red ink, 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA ATTORNEY GENERAL', '21 MAY 1910'. In the centre of the stamp the record number 'A 1157' has been added in black ink.]

No 10/2642.

[Underlined heading:] MEMORANDUM:-

The Collector of Customs, Fremantle, has asked for instructions in the cases of the Singapore liners "Minderoo" and "Paroo", which have made two special coastal trips from Fremantle for the purpose of bringing cattle and sheep to that port from Derby and Carnarvon. The vessels are carrying coloured crews, on a smaller rate of wages than the crews of local coastal boats receive.

The matter is submitted for authority to refer to the Attorney-General for advice as to whether the crews of these boats come within the scope of the "Contract Immigrants' Act". Advice is also desired as to whether, upon vessels undertaking coastal business of this kind, the crews have become immigrants within the meaning of the "immigration Restriction Act", and if so whether the exemption in paragraph (k) of section 3 operates to prevent them from being subjected to the dictation test.

[Handwritten signature in black ink:] Atlee Hunt

Secretary.

12^th May, 1910.

[Handwritten addition in black ink:]

The Secretary

Attorney Genls. Dept.

For advice

Atlee Hunt

19/5/10

[In the bottom right corner of the page, there is a second addition. Illegible handwritten initials, possibly 'GLD' and the date '19/5/10'.]