ASSISTED MIGRANTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 August 1928, Page 9

ASSISTED MIGRANTS

CURTAILING THE FLOW. The annual report of the Immigration Department states that owing to the conditions existing in New Zealand during the past twelve months, the question of migration is one which has been receiving, and is still receiving, the earnest consideration Qf the Government. The policy adopted in the special circumstances existing has been to curtail the 'rate of assisted migration to the Dominion, and it has been decided that this policy shall remain in force until such time as a materia) improvement in the present economic situation will permit of some relaxation.

The question of migration in relation to unemployment has been closely watched, and, although any sudden curtailment could not he brought 'about without inflicting hardship in many cases, it was deemed advisable to restrict assisted passages to the following:— (1> Separated families; (2) domestics and single women; (3) Flock House, Salvation Army, and Church of England boys. The number of assisted immigrants that have arrived in the Dominion during the past year shows a decrease of 66 pei 1 cent, on the previous year’s figures—in fact, the total is the smallest recorded since the year ending March 31, 1920. The total number of arrivals in New Zealand from the United Kingdom and Ircb'nd during the year ended March 21. 1928, was 6197 (3139 males and 3058 I’- males). Out of the total number ■ I persons arriving—namely 6197— 3822 were assisted to New Zealand by ..he Imperial and New Zealand Governments.. The number of assisted immigrants is made up of persons nominated from New Zealand and of persons themselves applying for assisted passages in London.