IMMI&RATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 251, 23 October 1935, Page 9

IMMI&RATION.

GOVERNMENT'S VIEW. QUESTION OF RESTRICTION. PEOPLE WITHOUT MEANS. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A further extension till December, 1930, tho legislation empowering the Governor-General-in-Council to issue regulations restricting immigration into New Zealand while tho economic or financial conditions make this desirable was passed by the House of Representatives to-day. It enabled questions to be asked regarding tho Government's attitude towards immigration generally.

Mr. E. Jones (Labour, Dunedin South) asked what reply had been given to the official report referred to by the British Prime Minister on the subject o'f emigration to the Dominions.

Sir Alexander Young stated that the report mentioned was an extensive Blue Book containing details of discussions and investigations of the subject by a British inter-Departmental committee over a long period. They recognised that at the time of writing the report the economic position of New Zealand was such that it would not bo fair nor reasonable to expect any assisted immigration into the Dominion. The reference to this subject was so much in line with the New Zealand opinion that it could not have been better written in the Dominion. Some months ago the Government had replied concurring with the views expressed. There need be no fear that the situation would be forced against New Zealand's wishes.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Coates, who was in charge of the bill, stated that the question of emigration was not raised with him when he was in London, but the House should realise that people with the means to establish themselves in the Dominion should bo permitted to enter.

Mr. Jones: You could not stop them

Mr. Coates agreed, adding that an important point was that concerning poople drawing what was termed the "dole" in the Old Country wishing to seek new opportunity in New Zealand. The British authorities were in agreement with those iri/New Zealand that it was not wise while there was distress here that people should be encouraged "to come to the Dominion without being able to maintain themselves.

Mr. Jones: Are you bringing some out? Mr. Coates: No; but some persons may conic out by arrangement with large factory organisations who want specialists.