EMPIRE MIGRATION.

Evening Star, Issue 22683, 24 June 1937, Page 10

EMPIRE MIGRATION.

Renewal of migration from the Mother Land to the dominions is much to be desired. Its advantages are obvious. First in importance conies defence. The days have gone when British countries overseas could rest secure in the protecting power of the Navy. World conditions have greatly changed. Unrest, dissatisfaction, and an aggressive spirit are moving nations to new adventures, and with the revolution in transport facilities the duty of keeping the Empire’s sea lanes inviolate has become increasingly onerous. With the new conditions in mind, it is obvious that the greater the population of this country the greater its security. Taking another, point of view—the matter of settlement—there can bo no doubt that this fertile land could accommodate a much greater rural population, an effect of which would be to add greatly to the numbers employed in the cities and towns by the secondary industries. New Zealand’s Prime Minister has been conferring on the question of migration with the Secretary of State for the Dominions, but it cannot bo said that the problem is much nearer solution as a consequence. The line taken by Mr Savage is that when employment is found for everyone iu this Dominion capable of undertaking it he would be ready to discuss bringing out people from Britain. A further condition is that the British Government must agree to an open market for New Zealand goods, Mr Savage remarking that the application of fur ther quotas on New Zealand produce entering Britain would act as a deterrent to migration. This is a dictatorial attitude. It is also unreasonable. Britain is engaged in developing her own agricultural resources for various compelling .reasons; she can hardly bo expected to give preference to New Zealand over the other dominions, and she has to honour the bi-lateral trade agreements entered Into with other

countries. A suggestion underlying Mr Savage’s remarks is that New Zealand would bo conferring a favour on the Mother Laud by adopting a policy of migration, when as a matter of fact the advantage to New Zealand would he as great as it would be to Great Britain. The pioneers wore of a hardy, adventurous type, who took their courage in . their hands. Opportunities awaited them in the far-off lands that are not available now, so that Government assistance • and supervision are more important than they were in the past. What is wanted is the organised immigration of selected families and young people, under a plan of financed and supervised settlement. Placed on the land in favourable circumstances, provided the right type of immigrant was selected, they would be self-supporting and would bo an asset to the country. Further, the men would not bo thrown on the labour market of the cities and towns in competition with others seeking work. A scheme devised along these lines should bo practicable, and would not be likely to create much opposition.