IMMIGRATION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12592, 7 September 1906, Page 5

IMMIGRATION.

THE FARMERS' UNION VIEW.

(SPXOIAL TO " THE PBE3S.") WELLINGTON, September 6. The Farmers' Union is apparently dissatisfied with the class of immigrant that ie arriving here, and briefly expressed ite views to-day. Mr Clayton (Poverty Bay) moved:— "That the Executive circularise -the British papers, setting forth the kind of men required* for farm work, the probable wages, and the best time to arrive in tho colony." Mr Middleton eaid a great many unsuitable people had come here, and had hod a good dea-1 of trouble in getting work. He suggested that farmers should be allowed to nominate men at Home for assisted passages, on the farmers here, guaranteeing the men a year's work. The President said the present Act againet contract labour would have to be altered before that oould be done. Mr Clayton withdrew his motion, and the Council then considered a iremit from Taranaki urging the adoption of a strong forward immigration policy. Mr Forsyth complained that while the labour unions protested against immigration, they wore doing their best tofix up a labour ring or combine. Eventually the motion was carried, as was also a motion that the old system of nominations without contract be reinstated, and that the Government be asked to arrange cheap passages. Mr Leadley suggested that the Executive be requested to communicate with the Governments of Queensland, Canada, and the Argentine, with a view to ascertaining what inducements or facilities the Governments of those countries will, give to companies of New Zealand formers taking up land and making their homes in those lands. . The suggestion was received with Laughter.