British Immigrants

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25705, 18 January 1949, Page 6

British Immigrants

If New Zealanders as individuals were less indifferent to the welfare and happiness of immigrants who are arriving in the Dominion te settle they could unquestionably hasten the process of settlement and eliminate much of the discontent that has turned some of the immigrants back to their native land. Provided that the immigrants themselves have not come here with any exaggerated notions of New Zealand as a social paradise, they have no great reason for discontent. Many of them have been accustomed to more sophisticated pleasures than New Zealand hag to offer and they have to adjust themselves to possibly a simpler way of life. loneliness will be for many of them the greatest hardship that they will have to bear in the early part of their lives in their new country. New Zealander?, by a more friendly and interested approach to the newcomers, could do a great deal more to help them to adjust themselves to a strange environment and to become in a shorter time more eon. tented with their lot through entry into the social life of the community. Thus they will more quickly become good citizens and good New Zealanders- In Christchurch at the official level much is done for the reception and settlement of the new arrivals. The Canterbury Immigration Society assists ip find, ing accommodation for them and puts them in touch with churches and other organisations- But the work of officials and the society necessarily goes only part of the way towards making immigrants feel at home in a new country. It must be followed up by the personal interest and efforts of the people. According to Major P. G. Norman, chairman of the hospitality committee of the Immigration Society, churches and musical societies are .playing their part, hut sports bodies have been surprisingly apathetic about the sports interests of immigrants. This is regrettable, for the people of Britain and New Zealand play the same games, and active participation in sport is one of the best ways in which the new arrivals can form friendships and be drawn into the social life of the community. Now that attention has been drawn to their apathy, it is to be hoped that sports bodies will show more interest in the immigrants as they arrive in the future, and provide opportunities for them to take part in all sports. But individuals as well as sports bodies can do much to provide immigrants with something else besides officially sponsored entertainment or hospitality. This is appreciated, but the new arrivals are more grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the home life of their new city. If they are made to feel that they are welcome —as indeed they are and should be —the battle against loneliness will

soon be won for them. New Zealand needs them and New Zealanders have a responsibility towards them which is too seldom expressed in acts of kindness, understanding and simple friendship. Thii can be remedied and should be. 1