ENEMY ALIENS

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 24, 28 July 1917, Page 7

ENEMY ALIENS

THE POSITION IN NORTH

AUCKLAND.

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AUCKLAND, This' Day.

A statement regarding the agitation in the North Auckland district concerning enemy aliens has been made by Mr. G-unson, Auckland representative on the National Efficiency Board. He states that at a group meeting of the Trustee Boards, held recently at Whangarei,. the question was considered, strong representations were made, and these Mr. Gunson forwarded to the Government. '

"It is reported, and I believe correctly, that Austrians. and other aliens are acquiring properties in the North; in some cases, the farms of soldiers," said Mr. Gunson. "The Board understood that regulations had been made which disallowed the purchase, of property by enemy aliens.. Whether these regulations are sufficiently' effective or not, the fact remains that they have not had. the desired result. It is reported from several quarters that aliens are now acquiriiig properties under agreements for sale and purchase. Thus they are entering into possession of lands with the obvious 'intention of securing them after the war. The board enquired into the matter two months ago, . arid made special recommendations to the Government that. Austrians and other enemy aliens in New Zealand should be absolutely prohibited •. from acquiring property. These -men are enjoying the privileges and freedom afforded by British protection, and they are benefiting immensely by the absence of our soldiers at the front., In many quarters these aliens are asking extravagant ■prices for their labour. As they are thrifty men, most of them, have saved 1 fair sums, and are therefore "able to take advantage of the position in which many New Zeakaiders called up for service find themselves." Mr. Gunson has received a deputation from the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association in connection with the question. The deputation proposed the holding of a public meeting, but, at .Mr. ' Gunson's suggestion, that course was deferred in view of the fact that the Government seemingly now has' the matter in hand. Mr. Gunson said it Was quite clear, however, that if the inactivity of She authorities in regard to enemy aliens was to be continued, some drastic step would have to be taken by the community. An intolerable position mas Being at present passively approved under this policy of inaction. 'A public official who recently returnedfrom the North states that a case came undei- his notice in which a party, of Dalmatians earned 18s a day each for .fencing, in addition to which the employer provided the men with food.