MIGRATION OF WOMEN

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2982, 20 January 1917, Page 5

MIGRATION OF WOMEN

THE SALVATION ARMY'S NEW SCHEME

AFTER-THE-WAR PROBLEM

(From tho "Westminster Gazette.") General Booth recently announced his plans in connection with tho Women's Migration Scheme which the Salvation Army authorities have had under consideration for some time. . The object of the scheme is to provide for tho transference to the Overseas Dominions and comfortable settlement therein of British widows (with their families) whos« Circumstances aro likely to bo by migration, and also to IWilitate the migration of other women desiring to go to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa when the war is over, and tho abnormal demand for female, labour is exhausted. To promote this work, General Booth, who intimates that as tho result of a preliminary appeal £60,000 has already been subscribed, is asking that a fund of £200,000 should bo raised. He also announces that tho Public Trustee has agreed to act as treasurer of tho fund. It is estimated that the sum askcd_lor would secure tho settlement of 5000 widows and 10,000 children, and that tho work, which would bo gradual in operation through the careful means of selection employed on this side, and the no less- careful preparation necessary in the Dominions for the proper settlement of the families, would be conducted over a period of about five

years. .... Special empliasis is laid on the fact that the scheme is not experimental, but really the outcome and development, accelerated through the war, of very successful widows' migration work commenced a considerable number of years ago. In carrying through the work the Salvation Army will act in tho closost co-operation with the Dominion Governments, as represented by Higli Commissioners and the AgentsGcnerar in the United Kingdom, and the respective official colonisation departments here and overseas. Several of til© States concerned have already come forward with offers of active support in regard to the scheme. In tho interest of the scheme special agents are being dispatched to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, and Commissioner Lamb, the Director of the Army's - Migration Department, is again about to sail.

The Sohomo. In an interview published in the "War Cry" General Booth sets forth his proposals in detail. Ho points out that through tho operation of tho scheme worthy widows living in oppressive or otherwise unsatisfactory environments can, with substantial prospect of social advancement for themselves and their children, bo transferred to tlio progressive communities overseas, wliere the opportunities and rewards for tho industrious and sober-living are greater, the conditions less restricted, and whero there is plenty of elbowroom for tho energetic' and tho enterprising. Another great _ advantage from tho widow's point of view fs that, in addition to other tilings, slio will bo fortified with a senso- of security while making her way in her new surroundings in the knowledge that she has tho whole weight of the Salvation Army organisation always at her back. Then, of course, tho migration will bo accomplished free of cost to'tho widow, a circumstance which must not be regarded as a charity, but 'rather as a wise Imperial investment that will bear fruit in tho increased prosperity of tho individuals represented'and, in furthering the development of\tho Emjjiro in parts whero tlio infusion of British stock is most essontial to satisfactory progress.

General Booth sums up the Army's undertakings on behalf of the women in tho following clauses: — "1. Tho Army will not adviso anyone to migrate or bccoino responsible for tho migration of anyone who may/ not conform with tho standards of suitability it has set up through its long expeHenco of migration. v "2. Tho Army will provido for the reception and secure, positions in given localities prior to sailing for all whom it may selcct for overseas settlement under this schemo. "3. Tho Army undertakes the superintendence by its own officers, or responsible persons whom it may appoint, of tho families migrated, for four years, or until such timo as tlib progress of tho new settlers indicates that such guardianship can bo dispensed with.

"4. In the event of failure to succeed in her new environment after four years 1 trial, a contingency, regarded .is remote and exceptional, the Army will bring back tho widow to this country."

Goneral Booth claims, that the responsibilities thus voluntarily undertaken on behalf of tho women reach farther 'and are moro cbmprehensivo than anything required by State regulation, or that might bo attempted by any other organisation. Obviously the scheme will have a tendency, no matter how modest its effect may bo at the outset of helping towards a.-moro equal distribution of the sexes throughout tho Empire. Wliilo the femalo populations aro sadly inadequate to tlio needs of the Overseas Dominions, the evils and clangers arising from tho overwhelming , excess of women over men at homo are generally recogniscd.

. The Salvation Army's scheme, as has already been stated, in addition to its work for widows, provides for the migration of single women, and tins, aspect of its schemc is likely to find for it many advocates amongst tlioso who at present aro studying the prospectf-of female employment after the conclusion of peace with- some disquietude.