IMMIGRANTS’ COMPLAINTS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25270, 23 August 1947, Page 3

IMMIGRANTS’ COMPLAINTS

Sir, —Hear! hear! to Mrs W. T. Pitcher’s remarks. Speaking from 25 years’ experience of living in New Zealand, I heartily agree with her. We are a smug little country, and our working class would like the moon handed round on a silver dish and would forget to say thank you for it. —Yours, etc., A GROWL FROM A DOG-BOX. August 19, 1947.

Sir, —Judging by remarks of immigrants on conditions in New Zealand, as published in your issue of to-day, conditions in New Zealand are worse than in Britain. Particularly noticeable about these remarks is the fact that these apparently disgruntled people did not have anything to say about the shortage of food in Britain, as against the position here. Evidently they found the quantity and quality here only up to what they were used to. It seems they have never been short of food, or they must surely have noticed the difference here. I think it is likely that these people are “spivs,” who came with the idea of starting in that industry here, only to find the locals firmly established and the membership full. Then, again, they may be on an extension of American holiday.—Yours, etc., PHONEY. August 18, 1947.

Sir, —When one has heard New Zealanders abroad boasting about their marvellous country, one can understand the disappointment of new arrivals, on seeing the drab reality. Prone to understatement themselves, the British believe these eulogies, and expect a paradise glorious beyond belief. Nor does it add to their happiness be told “Homies aren’t wanted.” “Throw Them Out” may not know the difference between servility and civility. We were accustomed to the latter at Home. What is it but insolence (not “freedom”) when a shopman combs his hair, and a shopgirl scrapes out her nails, while “serving” a customer? Intending immigrants should bring their rose-coloured spectacles; New Zealanders cannot bear criticism. They might, however, realise that New Zealand may be just a bit short of perfection, when immigrants prefer to return to England, even in her present plight.—Yours, etc., FACTS. August 22, 1947.

Sir.—l too have been indignant with the immigrants’ attitude to New Zealand and its people, but also see another side. Mothers with children arriving in a strange country and staying at hotels cannot get milk, etc., to sooth unsettled little people. She does not wish to upset hotel routine, but children do not heed rules or time. So how about a list of homes where these parents can get meals for their offspring at odd times, until they are established? No elaborate preparations, but meet us on our own level. Surely any mother will look kindly on a country that thinks of her little ones. I for one willingly offer my hospitality for the children. Perhaps readers will suggest the best means of causing these lists of homes being at thd disposal of future immigrants. Do help.—Yours, etc., S.R.N. August 22, 1947.