‘Unfair’ remarks on immigrants

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32460, 21 November 1970, Page 18

‘Unfair’ remarks on immigrants

(N.Z- Press Association) AUCKLAND, Nov. 20. There was no justification for the remarks made by Sir James Doig about the present quality of British immigrants to New Zealand, said Sir Woolf Fisher, chairman of Fisher and Paykel, Ltd, and of New Zealand Steel, Ltd, today. For more than 100 years, British immigrants had provided a basis for New Zealand development, Sir Woolf Fisher said. He agreed with Mr T. E. Skinner, president of the Federation of Labour, about the contribution British immigrants were' making to New Zealand. ’’l very much doubt if at any time in the past we have had better people than we are now getting from the United Kingdom,” said Sir Woolf Fisher. He could speak with some knowledge because many employees from - Britain worked in companies in which he was

involved. They were playing a very important part in industry in New Zealand, and they would continue to do so. The criticism was unfair of these people who Were doing so much to help New Zealand, and it was also unfair to the New Zealand Government, immigration officers in Britain who, in Sir Woolf Fisher’s opinion, were doing an excellent job of helping in the selection process.

Cruise liner. —The 18,739ton Norwegian liner. Bergensfjord, is due at Lyttelton tomorrow morning from Wellington on a cruise. She will: sail for Rapa-iti later in the] day.