AFTER THE WAR

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 128, 31 May 1916, Page 8

AFTER THE WAR

RELEASE OF THE SOLDIER

"KEEP ALL UNDER THE FLAG "

SIR RIDER HAGGARD'S MISSION

Sir Rider Haggard arrived from Sydney to-day, on his rais6ion' for the settlement of British ex-soldiers in the British Dominions. Ho showed no signs of wear and tear after the rough trip lie had had across the turbulent Tasman Sea. Although he was rather pressed for time to-day, having an appointment with the Prime Minister at the moment, he spared a few minutes to give an interview to a representative of The Post upon his visit to Australia.

" People forget so soon (it was put to Sir Rider); will you kindly outline the object of your mission to Australasia?"

"Certainly," came the ready reply. "Nothing simpler. I am out here in an honorary capacity as representee of the Colonial Institute to enquire into what facilities will be granted by the Dominions' Governments for the settling of British ex-soldiers on' the land—and in Australia I must say I have met'with great encouragement. I have to find out what New Zealand can do. I have been in all the States of Australia, and some undertakings'have been specific— others general. I rather prefer the general. AA'hat I wanted to know was what would be done for the soldiers and their families when the war was over. THE MAIN OBJECT. "AVell, you see it is this way: The Royal Colonial Institute desires to know what the Dominions' Governments will do—if anything—to help in placing the ex-soldiers on the land. , It does not wish to hound people out of England. AA'hat we are devoting our efforts to is to keep those who do wish to leave England on the conclusion of tho war in the Empire, io ensure that they will remain under, the British flag. "I haven't the figures by me, but I believe emigration from Great Britain to the United States in normal times is 100,000 to 200,000 a year!-, Well, if these people must go away, we hope that they will go to the British Dominions to settle. I.can't say how many will want to leave England after the waiv-it's all hypothetical. But we can only judge of the future by the past. The whole object of my business is to try and-get such.as go to settle in the British Empire—riot to let this manhood be gained by the^ United States or any other foreign country.

"I want to drive this home; that whatever the cost, whatever the; sacrifice, . w.e ought, to keep\these men and women —these prospective British ' emigrants;—within the Empire. I feel sure all sensible people will agree with me in that. ■ ' /

"Difficulties ? Of course, there will be difficulties, but . none entirely insuperable. You may ask, How is the scheme to be accomplished'without adequate machinery? Well, Australia, in every State, has made remarkable offers of assistance, and I take it that the States are quite able to devise the means of dealing, with the matter. AUSTRALIAN, SUPPORT. " When I was in Adejaide the State Premier' Conference was about to meet. A special ...conference was held to consider the Colonial Institute's proposal of settling British ex soldiers on the land in Australia. I was present at that conference. The following resolutions, carried unanimously,' Were 'moved by Mr. Holnian, Premier for New South AA'ales :

" 'That we give Sir Rider Haggard an assurance that this conference will'give its best considerations during the-forth-coming conference to the new and important point which 'he has raised in connection' With this scheme, of settlement of .Empire ex-servicemen.

"'That this conference, representing the whole of the States of Australia, conveys to Sir Rider Haggard thethanks of the united State Governments for the manner in which be has discharged the great Imperial work in which he has been engaged during the past few weeks, and wishes him complete success in his mission, to the other parts, of the. Empire.'

"AA rell the conference, was as good as its .word and a special committee was subsequently set up.to bring down a report upon the proposal. - ' A MILLION ACRES OFFERED.

. "AVheh I set out 'I did not receive much encouragement, from friends who might be supposed to know something about the matter; but Queensland has promised a million acres suitable for dairying and agricultural farming ; New South', Wales has promised to put 1000 men on. the Yanco 'irrigation lands in the course of the next two years, giving preference to-British subjects'who have besn engaged in the. war, and will put all time-expired Imperial;- soldiers on the same' footing as the State's own soldiers with itspeil■■•lu' pt'cieiice for Government employment;. - Western Australia will give British ex-soldiers the same advantages as to, any special: land settlement or Government employment as to, Australian returned soldiers ; South Aus-' tralia is wil'lii.g to extend the same privileges to British soldiers as to Australian 'soldiers as regards land settlement .and Government employment; Tasmania-will provide land and; organise settlement f3r at least three'hundred British; soldiers in orchard and agricultural'areas.

The Chartered. Co. of British South Africa has offered 500,000 acres free to all'approved British soldier settlers from overseas, also to provide expert .advice and supervision.

."The Royal Colonial Institute, I. repeat, .feels that it cannot afford to lose the people who, after the war, may wish to emigrate. This is a problem of Empire—an appalling problem—to keep the British public;within the Empire. My visit is made':in .'the.!hope of attempting its"solution.''. „ \. :

Froni New Zealand Sir Rider will go to Canada on the same quest—land and facilities for' settlement of soldiers released .from the war who propose to (■migrate.