N.Z. IMMIGRANTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17544, 28 August 1922, Page 3

N.Z. IMMIGRANTS.

MR MASSEY'S STATEMENT IN THE HOUSE, AN OBVIOUS MISTAKE. (from our own correspondent.} LONDON, Julv 21. "Though ho admitted that the present heavy immigration into Now Ze:ir land was of an unsuitable kind, Mr Massey, speaking in the House of Representatives, affirmed the necessity for a vigorous immigration policy." This is the opening sentence in a cable message sent by the Wellington correspondent of "The Times." It is only another example of the danger which often lies in an abbreviated message of this character. The statement naturally made a bad impression on this side, especially at a time when tho arrangements for tho working of the new Empire Settlement Act are under discussion. The High Commissioner perfectly confident that Mr Massey oou»d never have made such a. damaging statement. He showliie letters from Mr Nosworthy "for the Prime Minister," _ expressing approval of tho type of immigrants sent out. On J] ay 2oth Mr Noswortliy > wrote: "Tho class of immigrant by this Vessel (tho Wahnana) proved to be satisfactory so far as the typo is concerned." On March 20th he wrote regarding tho Corintliic: "The class of immigrant arriving by this vecsel was quite satisfactory." Henco it tvas obvious that porao unfortunate mistake lisid been made, and Sir James Allen cabled to the Prim© Minister giving the statement; which had beon made by "The Times" correspondent. The reply has just been received to-day,- and tho explanation is forthcoming. Mr Massey's words were: ■'The present time is unsuitable for heavy immigration," not that the class of immigrants was unsuitable. Mr Massey also slates that the correspondent .is cabling the correction. In the meantime a circular has been sent out to the various newspapers in tho hope of repairing the damage.