SUGGESTIONS FOR IMMIGRATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7829, 23 June 1909, Page 1

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMMIGRATION.

Notwithstanding the Gbvernmeni's denials, it •is still widely, contended that New. Zealand'does not' possess' a rational immigration policy.- 1 *It '■'is argued that an undesirable'element >oi\ haphazard' still characterises "the procedure adopted to 'secure 'intelligent, I useful labour for the development of country districts. The Rev. R. L. Gwynne, representing the Kent Colonisation Association, has come to Australasia m an endeavour to benefit the Old Country and the new ones alike ,by suggestions for the introduction bf a proportion of sound sense into these countries' immigration plans. GREAT BRITAIN'S PLIGHT. In Mr Gwynne's view, the ranks bf the unemployed m England have shown a steady, annual; increase. * He.quotes the Poor Law Commission's an authority for the statement.that the defects m Britain's primary education are largely blamable for the existence bf workless legions. Here is an- average boy's career—a purely literary.training up to the age of fourteen, then an exit to errand running, and "unskilled labour" at the age of eighteen or nineteen. The tradeless persons, the individuals who have developed info'manhood with no special skill of hands to win them bread, have increased and multiplied, till now many thousands scarcely know where to look for a meal, though their hands may be willing to wield pick and shovel for it. FOR A VAST CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY. ■ v Mr Gwynne now reminds the younger partners m the Imperial firm that now is the time to secure profitable stock. The Poor Law Commission recommends that "careful colonisation " 'is one of the best remedies: for congestion" of labour markets, and-Mr' Gwynhe says that those countries'which need healthy, useful population should bestir themselves now while an exceptional opportunity exists. "War," he remarks, "or a great increase of work m Britain, will at once dry up all the sources of better-class emigration." He pleads for a better, more sympathetic, and mutually advantageous understanding between the people fof the Mother Country and the daughter countries. He grants that New Zdaland, for example, likes best sturdy young men, adaptable to new conditions, and he declares that this material for valuable colonisation is available m large quantity m the sons of yeomen and mechanics. THE KENT ASSOCIATION, i The Kent Association was ' formed about eighV years' ago by "residents dn Tunbndge Wells; a fund was subscribed amounting to £500. Out of this half or whole fares were advanced to over 500 people. There are no expenses save of printing, the hire of a'room and so on. All officials are honorary' buch an association commands tne ullest confidence of the people" who enow the applicants for aid, and also that of the intending, emigrants, As the _ money is returned it is lent ott S', Md£? continues to aid worthy colonists. This association has noW commissioned Mr Gwynne, the honor!?h™ firman (who is travelling tniough the oversea' dominions to visit those already sent) to make enquiries about the prospects for further-tfettE ENLARGING ITS SCOPE^ i The association, which is composed of eisured but enthusiastic folk, hopes to have its example widely, copied. "It is ow proposed,".comments Mr Gwynne 'to enlarge this work m Kent? and extend it possibly to every country by establishing regular schools of land la* bour for lads who intend going to the colonies. New Zealand hardly wants men over 30 who cannot adapt theml selves to bush and farm life, but ther^ may well be ample room here for Brit] ish lads trained to the land craft, and willing, to bring into use the great and rich lands now uncultivated or only partially tilled. NEW ZEALAND'S PART. j With this object Mr Gwynne is now enquiring m New Zealand: i 1. What openings exist for British lads without capital, but partially trained, and at an age of adaptability? . ! 2. Whether the Government has a farm here upon which such immigrants could continue or complete their training? ; 3. How far the dominion would ref cognise this work m England as def serving of eiicouragement P : HOW WOULD IT BE DONE, j After stressing the value of "handy men" to a new country and emphasis^ ing the fact that the money spent m assisting them to land here could be recovered manifold m good time subset quently, Mr Gwynee mentions the plans framed ■by • his association. "For one year after the age of fourteen,'? he says, "we propose to bring the lads to a farm school, either m England unf der colonial'management, or m the dojminion, m specially suited farms. Thk great industrial classes cf Great Britain look to the overseas dominions to supply their food. Britons must come I forth from the little islands m Europe to| Canada, to Australia, and New Zealand to supply m ever increasing volume bread, meat, and fruit for the toiling masses at Home." AUSTRALIA SYMPATHETIC. "These ' suggestions," concludes Mr Gwynne, "have been favourably received m Australia, where one of the States has promised to provide six months' training on its farm for the young immigrants. All are-anxious to improve the methods—clumsy and often disappointing—now employed, and the time is admittedly ripe for considering !the whole subject. Great Britain will do her part "to send her too numerous children to find work —not under a forf eign flag, as m the United States, but m their own heritage, fyeyoiid the' seas; Will greater Britain respond heartilj!; and'at once? On this question of-pbpu* lation depends those of increased prosperity, and of adequate defence. — Evening Post.