NEW POPULATION. ON AN IMPROVED BASIS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 144, 19 June 1909, Page 9

NEW POPULATION. ON AN IMPROVED BASIS.

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMMIGRATION. Notwithstanding the Government's denials, it is still widely contended that New Zealand does not possess a rai, tioral immigration policy. 'It is argued that an undesirable element of haphazard still characterises the proredure adopted to secure intelligent, useful labour for the development of country districts. The Rev. R. L. Gwynne, representing the Kent Colonisation Association, has come to Australasia in an endeavour to benefit the Old Country and the new ones alike by suggestions for the introduction of a proportion of sound sense into these countries' immigration plans. GREAT BRITAIN'S PLIGHT. In Mr. Gwynne' s view, the ranks of the unemployed in England have shown a steady annual increase. Pie quotes the Poor Law Commis&ion as an authority for the statement that the defects in Britain's primary education are largely blamable for the existence of workless legions. Here is an average boy's career — a purely literary training up to the age of fourteen, then an exit to errand running, and "unskilled labour" at the age of eighteen or nineteen. The tradeless persons, the individuals "ho have developed inlo with no special skill of handb to win them bread, have increased and multiplied, till now many thousands scarcely know where to look for a meal, though their hands' may be willing to wield pick and shovel for it. FOR A VAST C.O-OPERATIVE SOCIETY. Mr. Gwynne now reminds the younger partners in the Imperial firm that' no-v ip the time to secure profitable siock. The Poor Law Commission recommends that "careful colonisation" one of the best remedies for congestion of labour markets, and Mr. Gwynne says that those countries which need ' healthy, useful population should bestir themselves now while an exceptional opportunity exists. "War," he remarks, "or a great increase 'of work in Britain, will at once dry up all sources of better-class emigration." He pleads for a better, more sympathetic, and mutually advantageous understanding between the people of the Mother Country and the daughter countries. He grants that New Zealand, for example, likes best sturdy young men, adaptable I 'to new conditions,, and he declares that ; this material for valuable colonisation [ is available in large quantity ir the | sons of yeomen and mechanics. THE KENT ASSOCIATION. ■ The Kent Association wa« formed [ about eight years ago by residents in Tunbridge Wells ; a fund was subscribed amounting to £500. Out of this, i half or whole fares were advanced to I over 500 people. Thero are no expenses save of printing, the hire of a room, and so on. All officials are honorary. Such an association commands the fullest confidence of the people who know the applicants for aid, and also that of the intending emigrants- As the money is returned it is lent out again, and so continues to aid worthy colonists. This association has now commissioned MrGwynne, the honorary chairman (who is travelling through the oversea Dominions to 'visit those jalready sent) to make enquiries about the prospects for further settlement. ENLARGING ITS SCOPE. The association, which is composed of leisured but enthusiastic folk, hopes to have its example widely copied. '"It is now proposed," comments Mi. Gwynne, "to enlarge this work in Kent, and extend it possibly to every country by establishing regular schools of land labour for lads who, intend going to the colonies. New Zealand hardly wants men over 30 who cannot adapt themselves to bush and farm life, but there may wall be ample room here for BritisW lads trained to the land craft, and willing to go forth as a second army of pioneers to bring into use the great and lich lands now uncultivated or only partially tilled. NEW .ZEALAND'S PART. With this object Mr. Gwynne is now enquiring in New Zealand :—: — 1. What openings exist' for British lads without capital, but partially trained, and at an age of adaptability ? 2. Whether the Government has a faim here upon which such immigrants could continue or complete their train ing? 3. How far the Dominion would recognise this work in England as deserving of encouragement? HOW IT WOULD BE DONE. After stressing the value of "handy men" to a new country and emphasising the fact tjhat the money spent in assisting them to land here could be recovered manifold in good time subsequently, Mr. Gwynne mentions the plans framed by his association. "For one year after the age of fourteen," he says, "we propose to bring the lads to a farm school, either in England 'under colonial management, or in the Dominions, in specially suited farms. The great industrial classes of Great Britain look to the oversea Dominions to supply their food. Britons must come forth irom the little islands in Europe to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to supply in ever increasing volume bread, meat, and frnit for the toiling masses at Home." AUSTRALIA SYMPATHETIC. "Thse suggestions," concludes Mr. Gwynne, "have been favourably received in Australia, where one of the States has promised to provide six months' training on its own farm ior the young immigrants. AIJ are anxious to improve the methods — clumsy and often disappointing — now employed, and the time is admittedly ripe for considering the whole subject. Great Britain will do her part to send her too numerous children to find work — not under a foreign flag, as in the United States, but in their own heritage beyond the seas. Will Greater Britain respond heartily, and at once? On this question of population dopends those of increased prosperity, and of adequate defence."