IMMIGRATION POLICY

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25891, 25 August 1949, Page 4

IMMIGRATION POLICY

FARMERS’ OPPOSITION QUESTIONED

MR J. W. EARL REPLIES TO MR A. P. O’SHEA

“I was astounded to read in ‘The Press’ this morning that the only opposition to the immigration proposal was from Federated Farmers,” said Mr J. W. Earl, immediate past president of North Canterbury Federated Farmers, at a meeting of the provincial executive yesterday. “I emphatically dissociate myself fyom the views of Mr O’Shea, which he said ‘were supported by the conference of Federated Farmers.’ ”

Mr Earl was commenting on a Press Association message from Wellington on a conference called by the Dominion Settlement and Population Association. The conference passed a resolution urging the adoption of a vigorous immigration policy with the objective of the introduction of the absolute maximum of new settlers each year. “It would appear thpt the term ‘peasant’ is one of disgrace in this country,” continued Mr Earl. “That is a most extraordinary opinion as the peasant has been the backbone of the development of all countries. The policy of Federated Farmers in this respect is that of the Government.” Mr M. M. Fleming, a delegate to the recent conference of Federated Farmers, said that he could not altogether agree with Mr Earl. “Where are all these immigrants going?” he asked. A member: To secondary industries. Mr Fleming: That’s right. And how many secondary industries to-day are not protected? When we cannot even house our own people it does not seem right to bring more into the country.