N.Z. IMMIGRATION POLICY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27499, 5 November 1954, Page 8

N.Z. IMMIGRATION POLICY

WIDENING OF SCOPE ADVOCATED REPRESENTATIONS TO GOVERNMENT “The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, November 4. “The time has arrived when the scope of New Zealand’s immigration policy could well be widened to include immigrants who have the qualifications of good citizenship and ability to work, but who might not be qualified In /me of the listed skills,” said Mr W. G. V. Fernje, president of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, in his report at the federation’s annual conference.

“Unfortunately. the number of assisted immigrants scheduled toarrive in Nev/ Zealand this year will be substantially below the average number and representations have been made to the Government that it should t~ke steps to build up the numbers coming into the country.” Mr Ferine said that labour shortages had been one of the main problems in New Zealand'since the war years and while it was agreed that immigration alone did not supply the answer to the problem it did assist to increase the labour force. Up to the present the emphasis of the immigration policy had been directed toward obtaining specified categories of skilled labour. “Our labour shortage is so widespread in all categories of workers that every immigrant who. is likely to fit into the New Zealand way of life and who will work should be con-

sidered eligible for Government assistance,” said Mr Fernie. “It is apparent that not so many are now offering within the present classifications and, consistent with housing availability, consideration should be given to broadening the scope of the classified list.”