BISHOP'S TOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 107, 9 May 1927, Page 7

BISHOP'S TOUR.

EMPIRE IMPRESSIONS.

No Fear of Becoming

Americanised.

DR. INGRAM'S REVIEW.

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright)

(Received 11 a.m.)

LONDON, May 8.

The Bishop of London, interviewed on his return from the world tour, said that immigration was a difficult question.

_ It was true that some of our people did not feel very comfortable in Australia, and it was true too that Australians referred to British settlers as 'Tommies."

Then there were a few Bolshevistic agitators, who declared that they did not want interference from an island 12,000 miles away, but they were not representative Australians.

As a whole there was no fear that Australia would become Americanised or wish to break away from the Empire, at the same time we must be careful not to rub Australians the wrong way.

"They had their difficulties as we have ours," he added. "We must respect their susceptibilities. Personally I chaffed them about the word Tommies' and reminded them that they were nearly all 'Pommies' or descendants of 'Pommies.'

"They took my remarks in good part. Then I pointed out that if they want a white Australia they must have white settlers or someone else may 6tep in.

"Already there are Italians, Germans, Greeks and others, and it would be a dog in the manger policy to keep them out, but the predominant portion of population must want British.

"I am sure if we can clear the way of misunderstanding we shall come to a' happy solution of the immigration problem."

Referring to Singapore naval base, the bishop said: "If-we are to keep the Empire together, particularly to keep Australia and New Zealand, we must have this big base. I did not find the Japanese upset about it."

He concluded: "I return more than ever convinced that Christianity is the greatest force for good in the world to-day. I was greatly impressed by Church attendances in Australia and New Zealand and America, despite alluring counter attractions."