SETTLERS FROM THE ARMY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 165, 6 April 1908, Page 9

SETTLERS FROM THE ARMY.

Says the "Sydney Daily Tolegraph": A suggestion was put' forward some time ago that it would bo a desirable thing if some of the men at present serving in tho Indian Army, who 011 their return to Great Britain emigrate in considerable numbers to Canada and tho United States, could ho induced to make their homes in New South Wales. Inquiries were instituted by the Intelligence Department, and the information was elicited from tho India Office that a. warrant officer, non-commissioned officor, or man of tho British forces serving in India, on final discharge from the army otherwise than by purchase, is given tho option of electing to receive a free passage for himself and his family if on the married roll, either to tho United Kingdom or to any British colony.' Action was thereupon taken to distribute literature in India, inviting attention to tho resources of New South Wales, and to its eligibility as a field for settlement for those wishing to take up country life. From communications received in reply, it appeared that this privilege was not extended to men transferred to the Army Reserve, these being granted passages only to the United Kingdom, and tho Agent-General was, therefore, requested to represent; to the India Offico the desirability of granting freo passages to Australia for these men also, on tho condition of their finishing'their servico .as reservists with the local forces. A reply has now been rocoived that tho regulations at present in force in India do not admit of this heing done, but that tho suggestion has been forwarded to the Government of India with a view to the question rajscd by tho Government of .New South Walo's receiving duo consideration.