IMMIGRATION POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 May 1939, Page 5

IMMIGRATION POLICY

NEW ZEALANDERS FIRST. [per press association.] WELLINGTON, May 15. The question whether it would be advisable for New Zealanders to import immigrants to lighten the effect of the shortage of labour on farms, in factories, and in homes was introduced by a deputation which waited on the Minister for Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry). The Minister said that tho Government aimed at finding work for New Zealanders before embarking on an immigration scheme. It was stated that there was a retardation of enterprise and development evident, in many important spheres because of the impossibility of meeting demands for labour. Mr. Parry replied that it was correct that in primary and secondary industries there was not nearly sufficient labour available, but it would be wrong to say that the Government was not making a stout effort, not without success, to relieve the position in many ways. The deputation, he said, had spoken of reviving the country’s immigration policy, which had been dormant for some years. That brought up the question of the welfare of New Zealand people, said the Minister. “We must see that all our men, women, and young people are satisfactorily and beneficially placed before any scheme for immigration is decided upon.” The chief desire of the Government was to see that all avenues of employment received their right type of labour, and the explorations of the Labour and Industries Departments were all directed in that direction. Mr. Parry added that many letters had been received by members of the Government from people in England and foreign countries who wished to settle in New Zealand. After outlining the contents of some of the communications he said that it was evident that New Zealand could quickly have a very cosmopolitan population. EUROPEANS ARRIVE. WELLINGTON, May 15. The Awatea, which arrived to-day from Sydney, brought 21 foreigners, mostly from Central Europe. There were six Germans, eight Austrians, two Czechs, two Hungarians, one Italian, one Greek, and a Jugoslav. Mots of the arrivals were reticent about affairs in their homelands, but the Czech and Hungarian couples remarked that they intended to settle in the Dominion. BRITISH CONTINGENT (Recd. May IG, 10.40 a.m.). LONDON, May 15. Fifty-nine bricklayers and builders’ operatives will sail for New Zealand aboard the Rangitiki, on May 25. as the instalment of 500 men. All are assured work on arrival.