FROM HOLLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 148, 26 June 1939, Page 8

FROM HOLLAND.

FIRST ARRIVALS.

DOMINION SCHEME.

ASSISTED IMMIGRANTS.

TRADESMEN FOR CAPITAL.

Marking the first step in what was stated to be a new immigration scheme sponsored by the Dutch and New Zealand Governments, five young Dutchmen, qualified carpenters, arrived in the Monowai this morning and left this afternoon for Wellington, where they will lie employed on State building protects.

The men were of a fine type —of athletic build and well educated, and they were looking forward with the keenest interest to taking up residence in the country of their adoption. Two of. them are engaged to be married, and when they become settled they intend to send for their fiancees.

Faced with a language problem, within a space of a few months at least two of the men have acquired a good knowledge of English. "I studied by correspondence three months before sailing, and "on the ship 1 spoke with as many English people as possible," said one of the men. The three others could make themselves understood, and hoped that constant contacts would soon improve their knowledge of the language. It was learned this morning that ti. five carpi-liters are the forerunners o a large-scale immigration plan. The ..'res of these immigrants were assistei by the Dutch r, ivcnim-nt. unlcr an agreement stated to have been entered into with the New Zealand Government.

This agreement, it is understood, provides for the i ill migration to New Zealand of large numbers of Dutch settlers, principally carpenters, skilled tradesmen, skilled labourers, farm employees and domestic servants. The scheme was described in one authoritative quarter this morning to be an important and comprehensive one, though its application would probablv be gradual.

Reports will be submitted to both Governments on the young Dutchmen, who will also inform the Dutch authorities of conditions as thev find them nnd their *nitnbi!ity for Du'tr-h immigrants. As work becomes available in the various avenues the quota of n*<isted immigrants will be increased, and it is i-tntcd that there is a lik'iiiuv.d of a steady flow of selected men and women settlers from Holland to New Zealand.

On the arrival of the Monowai this morning the men were met by Mr. .1. It. Elsbury, Government placement officer, and the Dutch Consul, Captain I*. Bauer.