OVERSEA SETTLEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 199, 24 August 1925, Page 6

OVERSEA SETTLEMENT.

It was a good idea of the Te Kuiti Chamber of Commerce to put the problem of immigration before the Press delegates from Britain and other parts of the Empire. The British delegates are better informed on the subject than most New Zealanders. They know that, as Lord Burnham said, Britain has done • more than the Dominions to promote I migration on a large, scale. Three I millions a year is available at Home to I pay for emigration, but only £400,000 is being spent, and Lord Burnham is right in saying that the main reason for this is the unwillingness of the Dominions to use the machinery provided. It is most desirable, however, that these travelling Pressmen, who are not only keenly interested in the question, but are in a position to educate a huge public, should be brought into contact with the practical aspect of immigration in the Dominions. No doubt our Australian friends, whose need and opportunities are greater than our own, will also put the problem before them. There are probably more difficulties in the way of New Zealand settlement of English migrant/; than our visitors realise, but tbo principal fact of the difference between our actual and our possible population is clear enough. It was j inevitable that methods of settlement should be discussed at the meeting. The experience of the member of the deputa- | tion who told how lie came to New Zealand with £2000, and succeeded in the bush, was interesting and encouraging, but the number of would-be immigrants who can command so much capital ie small. If there is to«be land settlement migration on a large scale provision must be maSe for the man with a small amount of capital. This is where the group settlement idea would come in. The Government is unsympathetic towards it, but its supporters are justified in urging that it be tried. Perhaps before the Prese delegates leave New Zealand they will get from the Government a better assurance of co-operation with the Home Government than local agitation has been able to obtain. j