IMMIGRATION

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25031, 13 November 1946, Page 2

IMMIGRATION

INDEPENDENT SCHEME OF CHRISTCHURCH

PROMISE OF IMPORTANT RESULTS

Only six weeks after the dispatch of Christchurch publicity material to the English universities, trades councils and other organisations, the Christchurch Expansion and Development Committee is receiving a small flood of inquiries from prospective immigrants, the City Council’s public relations officer (Mr T. H. Langford) said yesterday. Already positions have been found in Christchurch for some of these inquirers, and arrangements have been made for their transport to New Zealand and for their housing on arrival. “We have had no doubt about the interest among a large number of young English people, and we have been receiving a constant flow of inquiries for a long time.” said Mr Langford. “What is particularly interesting is the prompt response to the planned attempt to encourage the immigration of young British men and women to New Zealand, and to Christchurch in particular.” He showed the reporter a letter written on November 6 by a student of Pembroke College, Oxford, a former R.A.F. air crew officer who is reading for an honours degree in economics and who plans to marry next summer. He stated that he had just read in the junior common room of the college the brochure on Christchurch, and Mr Langford’s accompanying letter indicating that it was honed to attract permanent residents of British extraction. The brochure and letter were sent from Christchurch on September 13. This student set out his qualifications, and said that he and his future wife would both come to New Zealand if suitable emnloyment was offering.

Firms Arrange Housing There is a serious shortage of trained engineering staff in New Zealand, and several young British engineering graduates and students have been “placed” in positions in Christchurch recently by Mr Langford’s department. In most cases the firms are so keen to get these men that they go to any reasonable length to secure housing accommodation for them. “The head of one fim who has engaged an engineering immigrant, said he could do with half a dozen more like him,’* said Mr Langford. This young man was aged 32. with two children, and had been in engineering shops for 18 years, for part of that time in an executive position. Less highly skilled workmen and domestic workers have also inquired about prospects here. Mr Langford said that the air mails helped greatly in the passing on of information. One British domestic worker sent a general inquiry. A reply was sent from the Christchurch office, and 10 days later the woman’s answer had been received. Immigrants who wish to take up domestic work in New .Zealani are among the easiest to deal with, said Mr Langford. Their work and their home are One. and those who have both a home and a job to go to in New Zealand can obtain priority in passenger accommodation. “Altogether.” said Mr Langford, “our modest little independent immigration scheme seems to be arousing keen interest where we want interest aroused, and already we are getting practical results.”