“STARVED TO DEATH”

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 288, 5 September 1928, Page 11

“STARVED TO DEATH”

IMMIGRANT IN NEW ZEALAND “DAILY HERALD" ON THE NOLAN CASE (Australian Press Association.) London, September 3. Under the heading “Immigrant starved to death in New Zealand,” the “Dally Herald” published lengthy details of the case of Dominie Nolan, found dead at Otaika, together with a letter from the secretary of the Waitomo Labour Party, stating that the incident was only one of many of a like nature which have recently occurred. The letter adds: “Hundreds of starving men are wandering over the roads of the country.” LETTER LEFT BY NOLAN Dominion Special Service. Auckland, September 4. The body of Dominie Nolan was found at Otaiki, North Auckland, on July 20 by a farmer, A. P. Edge, who was burning off scrub on his property. Deceased was identified by means of a British passport found among his belongings. This showed that he had arrived in New Zealand in 1925. The police also found an open letter in Nolan’s handwriting. In this Nolan begged New Zealanders not to blame immigrants who, he said, were allured by dazzling advertisements of opportunities in the Dominion. He. continued: “I have been in this country a few years. I paid my passage in full, as my passport proves. I had to work for little or nothing in some jobs. They were only temporary. lam out of work now. and my conscience will not allow me to beg. Many poor farmers with young families cannot afford to give bread away, and why deprive their little ones? No. A thousand times no. ' So I would advise aspirants at Home, whose ambitions are for other climes, to stay at Home. You do not know what awaits you abroad. Think twice before leaving Home. It is near a month now since I touched food, and I have camped out in all rough weather and no shelter. Ido not. know how much longer I will last. The roads are crowded with swaggers. I swagged it myself from Wellington to the furthest point north. Some poor men are working for board alone. Employers are reaping a harvest and you arc poor and unemployed. Now Zealanders, again do not blame us poor immigrants, but throw the blame in the right direction. So good-bye all. Another poor unfortunate victim awaiting that friend death,”