LARGE SCALE MIGRATION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 2 June 1926, Page 9

LARGE SCALE MIGRATION.

WESTRALIAN GROUP SYSTEM. SUCCESSFUL RESULTS CLAIMED. HI cable—press association— copyright LONDON, May 31. At a West Australian dinner Air. H. P. Colebatch, Agent-General, replied to an interview with Sir James Parr appearing in the Times, wherein the New Zealander stated that group settlement on a large scale may be possible in Australia, but even there it had failed badly, and the West Australian scheme had gone down with a bump. Mr. Colebatch said Sir James Parr had spoken with insufficient knowledge of the scheme. Like all other great plans for land settlement this had met with many difficulties, which were being overcome. The scheme had only been in operation three years, and already 2500 settlers, covering a population of 10,000, had been placed on the rajnd. He considered the result had been magnificent, fully justifying Air. Rankes’ and Air. Amery's recent report, stating: “The success far exceeds my most sanguine preconceived expectations. It is working out most hopefully and promises to be one of the most hopeful ventures in largescale Government-assisted migration.” Air. Colebatch added : “The West Australian Government and people were never so absolutely confident ol the ultimate success of the group system. The present Government vies in enthusiasm with the Government which initiated the scheme, and last week requisitioned a further seventy families. When the Commonwealth completes the arrangements which at present are. under di/scusiion, West Australia will take an increasing number of settlers. The majority of the present migrants are extremely confident and satisfied.”