FAR MORE REASSURING.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 72, 26 March 1921, Page 11

FAR MORE REASSURING.

WORK FOR IMMIGRANTS. AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. "The situation in regard to the placing of the immigrants due to arrive by the , Waimana and Shropshire is far more ! reassuring than it originally appeared to be," remarked an otliccr of the Immigration Department to a "Dominion" reporter. The labour market is slack, but the Department is keeping closely in touch with the situation throughout the ■ Dominion, and we hope to have sufficient jobs for the newcomers on the Waimana's arrival." He added that on account of the sudden collapse of the wool market some little difficulty might, however, be experienced for the first time in the history of the Department in placing the Waimana's quota of farm labourers, but obviously this position could not have been foreseen. He also ' mentioned that necessary accommodation had been secured for the Waimana's contingent in each of the centres. The Department received a wireless message from the Waimana to the effect that the health of all on board was good, and that she expected to niako i port on Wednesday next. I The Department has also been advise! that the Waimana's full complement is BS2 steerage and three saloon passengers. Their respective destinations are as follows: Auckland 270, Wellington 340, New Plymouth 17, Napier 27, Nelson 21, Lyttelton 117, South of Lyttelton 75. i The Government, it is understood, has no present intention of suspending the immigration scheme. Ministers are of opinion that the increase of the population by the bringing of selected people from Great Britain i.-< a very important part of the work of reconstruction. Increased production is essential in view of the heavy financial burdens that the Dominion has assumed, and it has been made clear that production is largely dependent on an adequate supply of labour. But the Government may be prepared, if necessary, to accept increased responsibility for the placing of the immigrants in employment and for their welfare until they are earning wages. It is possible, moreover, that the operation of the immigration scheme will be relaxed during the coming winter months, which are likely to be the most difficult from the employment point of view. The departure of some of the immigrants from the L'nited Kingdom can be delayed without interfering seriI ously with the scheme.