IMMIGRATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 131, 4 June 1923, Page 7

IMMIGRATION.

NEW ZEALAND'S NEEDS. "Careful selection of the right, man for the right job is the essential," said Mr. W. J. Jenkin, president of the Canterbury Industrial Association, discussing the question of immigration. "Last year we dealt with this matter when I was president of the Industrial Corporation of New Zealand," said Mr. Jenkin, "and we held a special meeting of the executive and several leading manufacturers. Mr. Sandford, who afterwards went Home to take up a position in the Emigration Department of the High Commissioner's office, was present. The whole business was very thoroughly gone into, and Mr. Sandford got an understanding up to a point of ■what is necessary in order to send the right class of artisan to New Zealand. "There is no doubt that the manufacturers of New Zealand to-day are working short-handed, and that they are not able to turn out goods in sufficient quantities throug/i lack of competent tradesmen. If Che right men were chosen from the ranks of men willing to come to these shores, we would be taking a step in the proper direction, and ultimately the raw materials here in abundance would be worked up, providing employment not only for the people in this country at present, but also employment for a large percentage of those who are unemployed in, London and other big cities. In the past too many immigrants have been allowed to come here without inquiry being made as to their ability to fill the vacancies offering. "About two years ago, when addressing members of the association, I mentioned that it would be wise for the Government to consider the appointment of four of our best young men, trained both in the industrial and in ithe commercial world. They would be nent to London to deal with this most important problem, knowing exactly the requirements of our manufacturers. I think opportunity should be taken during the 1924 exhibition in London to put a suggestion of this kiud into effect. At that time a large number of men directly concerned in New Zealand's industries will be in England, and the question of selection could be gone into in full detail. New Zealand simply must have larger population. Eastern eyes are upon ur, and we must be on guard. Population is a sure insurance." —"Lyttelton Times. '