Merits Of Australia’s Immigration Policy

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30106, 15 April 1963, Page 11

Merits Of Australia’s Immigration Policy

New Zealand’s Government could well take a eloser look at Australia’s well-planned and progressive immigration policy, said Mr R T. Alston n Christchurch yesterday Mr Alston, secretary of the Canterbury Manufacturers' Association, returned on Saturday from a brief business visit to Australia.

“I was most impressed with the immigration policy n Australia." said Mr Alston. “In the current financial year immigration will reach 125 000 persons. This big im■nigration programme has been an essential feature of Australia's poet-war growth, and must continue to have the same effect in the future, m spite of the increasing difficulties in recruiting migrants" One feature which could have an effect on Australia’s future immigration plans was the improving position in Italy, said Mr Alston. Unemployment figures in Italy

were now slightly below those in Australia, he said.

“The New Zealand Government must look closely at the question of stimulating immigration into New Zealand. particularly for defence considerations," said Mr Alston. In Australia’s cities Mr Alston noticed a definite feeling. among top-level executives, of wishing to get closer to New Zealand from a trade point of view.

The "terrific enthusiasm” in Australia about the prospects of tourism to New Zealand. also impressed Mr Alston. A luxury-class motel chain, very active in Australia, intended to open in New Zealand soon, he said. Mr Alston visited the Adelaide .Royal Exhibition, the Sydney Easter Show and the ideal homes exhibition in Melbourne. He gathered some useful ideas for his association’s annual industries fair.