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Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20076, 4 November 1930, Page 11

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PARTY BROUGHT BACK BY NIAGARA. COMPLAINT OF TREATMENT. (PBHBS ASSOCIATION TSL,S<HCAM.S AUCKLAND, November S. Ten of 28 New Zealanders and Australians who were refused permission to land in Canada from the Niagara on her last trip arrived at Auckland by the vessel. With them were eight other migrants who had been "excluded from Canada when they sought to land from the Aorangi a month previously. They complained bitterly of their treatment at the hands of the Canadian Immigration authorities and at the irony of being on parole in Vancouver during Canada's "Prosperity Week,'' when they were informed by means of posters and other advertisements that '' Tho sun is rising on the greatest year of Canada's prosperity." \ "Although no one in New Zealand or Australia appeared to be aware of the fact, the change in, Canada's policy imposing greater restrictions on the landing of migrants was made in August,'» the spokesman of the party said. "One New Zealander took tho precaution of making enquiries in the proper quarter in Auckland, and he was told that he would require £SO landing capital. s Some of the Australians were told that the landing capital required was only £3O. There seemed to be a lack of certainty in regard to that question, but it left the pilgrims quite free from worry, as each one possessed a sum well -in advance of that which he was told he would require." The llrst premonition of trouble came When the Canadian immigration officer boarded the Niagara at Victoria and conducted the preliminary examination of all those passengers on the vessel who were other than tourists or through passengers.' He expressed the opinion that it would surprise him if many of those he had seen would be allowed to stay in Canada. There would be a stringent examination by the Immigration Commis-! sioner next day. Dawn found the ship at Vancouver, and shortly after breakfast the party was marched through the streets to the immigration barracks under guard. It was noted with apprehension that the barracks, a gloomy, isolated building between the Canadian Pacific Railway shunting sheds and the waterfront, had iron barred windows. After a delay of some hours the second and third-class passengers, who comprised the party, were interviewed by the Immigration Commissioner. Six or seven who were able to convince the Commissioner were allowed to go about their business, but the others, a score in number, were told they would be brought before a Board of Enquiry later in the day. Two New Zealanders and an Australian were marched to one of the rooms, or rather cells, on the third floor, and locked in. Surprised when the key was turned on them they called for an explanation but none was forthcoming. Later on tho same day the Board of Enquiry commenced its investigations. Briefly the attitude of the Board was that if one was seeking work there was j a possibility that failure to find it might result in one becoming a charge upon an already over-burdened State, and if one had a position to go to one was robbing a good Canadian of his employment. The question of landing capital was not raised, having nothing to do with the case. When the day of sailing came, Canada's departing guests were herded down to the ship and locked in that part of the ship expressively known as "Chinatown." As the Niagara ' drew away from the wharf they were allowed up on deck, but they were again locked up in the same cabins when Victoria was in eight.