THE MINISTER OF LANDS ON IMMIGRATION.

Evening Star, Issue 7188, 16 April 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE MINISTER OF LANDS ON IMMIGRATION.

In his speech at Wanganui, Mr Ballance, speaking of immigration, said:—lt was a very important matter if they could induce people with capital to come here that would not be a loss to the Colony nor an injury to any person in it. In 1885 he (Mr Ballance) proposed to the House a system of small farm immigration, for the puimose of bringing out small farmers. The House adopted this system, and voted money for the purpose, the AgenbGeneral being told to put the thing |n progress, tie did not do much for some time ; but at last he commenced to work, and from the Bth June, 1886, to the 31st March, 1887, they had received an accession from this class of fifty-six families, the total number of souls being 230. The amount deposited with the Agent-General by them was L 9,250; the amount which they proved they possessed was L 23,355. How much did they suppose the Colony had to pay at the rate of LlO per head for each member of the family t° bring but people possessing this amount of capital ? All that they had expended was L 1,845, and for that money they had brought out L 23.355.—■ (Applause.) These figures were official, and he believed that they proved his case. If that class of people could be brought into the Colony they would bean immense benefit and injure no one. He proposed, therefore, to ask next session that the House should pass a large vote and instruct the AgentGeneral to push the matter by bringing out as many of these' farmers as he could get. Then, with regard to the nominated immigrants—a different class altogether—who were nominated by people in the Colony, and regarding whom there was no condition as to capital. The Agent-General had been instructed to inquire as to what amount of capital they possessed, and it was found that they had about half as much as the small farmers. They knew before that the nominated immigrants brought out a considerable amount of capital, although the exact amount was not known. Last year people in the Colony nominated persons and paid nomination fees to the extent of LI 1,250; so that they would see that the people brought out under this system were not of a very needy and impecunious character. When their friends could pay this sum for 1,209 adults, it was not likely that they would be a class which could be a burden upon anyone. During last year there were 725 of this class arrived in the Colony, and they were of a very helpful and deserving class, which , would be of enormous assistance to the Colony. He. (Mr Ballance), therefore,, said that if immigration was properly conducted was a right thing! r