ADMISSION OF REFUGEES

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22804, 1 September 1939, Page 12

ADMISSION OF REFUGEES

DEBATE IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL(PBE3S ASSOCULTIOX TELIGBAX.) WELLINGTON. August 31. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. • , The Imprest Supply Bill was put through, all its stages and passed. The Property Law, Amendment Bill was put through the committee stages and passed; Continuing the debate on the motion moved by the Hon. T. Bloodworth, and the amendment by the Hon. M. Connelly, asking for an inquiry into immigration, the Hon. V. A. Ward agreed that there was a need for more population in New Zealand, and said that a larger population would relieve the country’s three great economic troubles—heavy taxation, by spreading the burden; lack of railway revenue, by more travellers; and unemployment; b-’- creating more work. He suggested organised land settlement, which would provide work in initial stages by creating a demand for homes. The Hon. J. Cotter discussed what was already being done for political refugees to show that New Zealanders were sympathetic and willing to help. The Hon. C. J. Carrington suggested that an investigation of the question was a matter for experts, rather than for a Parliamentary Coriimittee. The Leader of the Council (the Hon. D. Wilson) said that there was room for suitable immigrants, and he would be glad to bring the matter before the Government. . : ~ Replying to the debate, Mr Bloodworth said he would accept the amendment, as it meant what he desired, and put it in a better way’ than the motion. The amendment was carried. The Council adjourned at 4.20 p.m. until next Wednesday. After the adjournment members met in the rooms of the Speaker (the Hon. M. Fagan), who presented suitably engraved silver-mounted inkstands to Sir Walter Carncross, the former Speaker, and the Hon. J. A. Hanan, a former Chairman of Committetes.