FLOOD OF IMMIGRANTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 293, 8 December 1920, Page 5

FLOOD OF IMMIGRANTS.

EXPECTED IN NEW ZEALAND. BIG PROBLEM AHEAD. The tide of immigration towards Xew -Zealand has already begun to flow. Intending settlers are arriving, and more are ou their way. Before the end of the month three vessels, the Arawa, the Darset, and the Paparoa are expected at New Zealand ports with hundreds of immigrants -aboard from the Mother Country. Accommodation lor these immigrants constitutes a big problem. Complaint has already been made that some newlyarrived ?oidiers were un-welcomed and left to shift tor themselves.

The Salvation Army, it appears, does all in its power to meet the situation. Kven the Customs officials help as they can, although it is in no -sense the work of their department. The V.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. arc not backward either. But in spite of all. cases of inconvenience nnd hardship to immigrants frequently occur

"I know of one case where a man, hia wife and children had to tramp 'about the city for a day unahle to get a place in which they could spend the night," said one person connected with immigration to the ".Star" to-day. "'The Government apparently washes its hands of responsibility for immigrants except those specially nominated as settlers in f-ngland. These it meets upon arrival, and helps to reach their destination. (But for the ordinary settler, so far as 1 can see, all that is done is to put an advertisement in the papers asking employers to advice the Under-Secretary of the Department" of Immigration. Wellington, as to any vacancies they may have and other details. But this does not meet the requirements of the immigrant when he lands at a Xew Zealand port, and does not know where to go until he can get work."

The Y.IVr.A., it appears. is endeavouring to meet the situation by making a list of temporary accommodation places. The V.M.C.A*. does what it can also, but. according to the secretary, its efforts, are greatly handicapped by 'lack of accommodation and inability to get the Government to give asss- :- tance. A hostel for immigrants would do much to meet the difficulty, or, as in Wellington, the removal of the V.M.C.A. hut from the military camp ami its use for such purpose: but so far the Government cannot be induced to move.

The problem is really acute. From all accounts the influx of settlers in the next few months will be'larger than for years, while the Government and the community concern themselves little about it.

''Why not an organisation created by the citizens themselves to meet these arrivals, and help them to get employment?" was ihe ouerv put to tbe "Star" to-day. "They aTC bringing wealth into the country; they are increasing pop-ilation, an _ thus* reducing the burden of taxation: they are a source of future prosperity. Why not give them help when they land—help to find accommodation* and employment. It is done in Australia and Canada. Why not here?"