EMPLOYMENT IN N.Z. OFFERED

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25227, 4 July 1947, Page 9

EMPLOYMENT IN N.Z. OFFERED

ADVERTISEMENTS IN BRITISH PRESS

IMMIGRATION OFFICER EMBARRASSED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. July 3. It was most undesirable that New Zealand firms should advertise in the British press, calling for applications for employment in New Zealand. Such advertisements would only cause much misunderstanding and ill-feeling, and would not reflect favourably on the Dominion, said the Minister of Immigration (Mr A. McLagan) to-night. He said one firm had advertised in England for building tradesmen, saying the firm was willing to nominate persons wishing to come to New Zealand. The advertisement did not state whether the firm proposed to pay steamer passages to New Zealand, or how or when they hoped to be able to arrange shipping accommodation. Several other firms had advertised previously on similar lines. Mr McLagan said the result had been that the New Zealand immigration officer in London had been faced with numerous inquiries from persons seeking further information. Considerable embarrassment had been caused by having to explain to these people that it was not part of the Government’s scheme, that priority passages could not be arranged, and that no information was available regarding payment of passages. Married people 'had also to be advised of the difficult housing situation. Mr McLagan said that, except in exceptional circumstances, priority berths secured for the Government’s immigration scheme could not be allotted to bring people from Britain specifically for employment by private firms or individuals.

As evidence of the fact that matters such as this were seriously viewed, the Minister said a draft convention had been prepared by the International Labour Organisation that member countries should enact and enforce penalties for the repression of misleading propaganda relating to immigration, and that governments should exercise supervision over advertisements or other forms of publicity relating to employment in one territory, offered by persons in another territory. This draft convention was at. present under consideration. Mr McLagan asked that private firms or individuals, or other non-governmental organisations should refrain from placing such advertisements as the one referred to in overseas papers without first consulting the immigration division of his department, so that full information could be placed before those to whom the advertisement was addressed. ____