ALIENS IN THE NORTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 208, 31 August 1917, Page 5

ALIENS IN THE NORTH.

SECURING FREEHOLDS. A SERIOUS PROBLEM. Mr. A. A. Creamer, president of the Auckland Second Division League, returned -this morning from a tour in the Northern Wairoa district. In course of conversation he stated that strong branches of the League had been formed at toargaville and Helensville. This will link up to the area that comes under the care of the branch formed at Whangarei. "The alien question is a serious one in the North," remarked Mr. Creamer. "1 ■found, a very strong feeling , regarding the aliens around Darg-aville. The British people object, and I think naturally, to aliens living in New Zealand enjoying the blessings of peace, and taking advantage of the opportunity to buy the farms of men called for active service. It is all very well saying that v aliens cannot get their titles registered, but I was informed as a positive fact that unnaturalised aliens pool their money with their fellow countrymen who have been naturalised. Farms are then bought, and registered in the names of those who have been naturalised. Instances of such cases were brought under my notice while I was in the North. The names of naturalised aliens are being used for the purpose of getting- the property transferred. Although the Prime Minister has declared that aliens' names are not admitted to be registered for properties purchased, still I am assured this is being got over by the aliens, under a system of purchase by agreement, trusting to the transfer being passed after the conclusion of the war. What I object to is that our British men who are called for service are taking deposits on their farms from these aliens under this system of purchase by agreement. This means that while British subjects are away at the front fighting for our defence, the aliens are allowed to remain Here in peace and comfort to quietly mop up the land that should be held for our boys when they return from the ivar.j The aliens enjoy all the advantages' of peaceful citizenship under British rule, while our men fight to secure it."

We claim as a Second Division League that the true test should lie whether these aliens are prepared to submit to the duties and responsibilities appertaining to British citizenship; and we feel with re?pect to this matter that the Gov- ! ernnient should make known promptly its definite policy on the alien question, and also take immediate steps to prevent land which already belongs to soldiers 1 passing into.the hands of either friendly or enemy aliens. From what I have seen and learned I recognise the urgent need for prompt action .by the Government in this maftter. The'feeling in the North is very strong in the matter." •'At a meeting in TJargaville held on Wednesday night a resolution was carried to the effect that the people there deeply deplored the inactivity of the Government in not handling' the alien question in a manner that will establish the principle of equality of sacrifice on tlie part of all people enjoying the rights of citizenship in New Zealand. "At Ilelensvillc last ; nigjit a meeting of the Second Division League was held, at which a strong committee was set up. There also the alien question was raised", and a resolution was adopted asking that the Government pass legislation demanding that all aliens not already registered be compelled to vlo so forthwith, and thatiall enemy aliens be subject to internment, but provided they can establish evidence of previous good conduct such may be released on parole, on condition that they are willing to work for the .State at the same rate of pay as the soldiers receive. It was also "resolved that all enemy aliens, be compelled to report to a Government officer at least once in each month." An evidence that aliens are looking to profit by our men going to the front was mentioned in which a foreigner agked an adjacent British 6ettler to sell him some young heifers. When he ■was told they were not for sale he was met with the reply, "But you will have to go to the front soon. Please give mc the first chance to buy those cattle."