OVERSEAS SETTLEMENT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 22 November 1926, Page 5

OVERSEAS SETTLEMENT

BRITISH EMPIRE POLICY.

STIMULATING MIGRATION

GO-OPEIRAT lON ESSEN 11AL

BY CABBE-PKESS ASSOCIATION- COPYEIGuI

LONDON, Nov. 19

llhe overseas settlement Sub-com-mittee or the Imperial Clomereiice commences its report by stating that it accepted, the definition laid down at the Imperial Economic Ctmteience in 1921?, that the objects of Empire settlement were the redistribution m tne white population of tbe Empire in the best interests of the Empire a,> a whole. It therefore recommends the Governments of the Empire to persevere by continuing to enlarge tins, notify, disbelieving the possibility ol solving the problem by mass movements. . ... „ The sub-committee especially dissociates itself from the idea that tne mere transfer of large numbers t'om Britain to the open spaces in the Uominions will provide a. solution. It is convinced that a sound policy must be based on .scientific 'and carefully considered schemes designed to secure the .settlement of suitable persons under conditions conducive both to their well-being and the prosperous development of the Dominion in w inch they settle. Nevertheless it is important to accelerate the redistribution of population and the outward flow could be stimulated to the general advantage of. the whole British Commonwealth by the co-operation of the different Governments. . The sub-committee examined the obstacles to a more rapid redistribution and the members find themselves in complete agreement that the distribution is most rapid when general prosperity is greatest, when capital is available and employment is abundant. It is recognised that the bulk of the British population, especially the younger generation, is urban, whereas the Dominions primarily need agricultural development, but such develop ment will strengthen the general economic position in the Dominions’ growth whose secondary industries will conduce to' an increased flow - of population from Britain. Economics and research bear importantly upon settlement, while adequate marketing provision must accompany settlement, 'and the spirit of co-oper-ation among the producers should be stimulated. The portions of the Elmpire specially interested in settlement are Canada., Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Rhodesia, whereas Africa considers- iher field limited and "trie Irish Free State -and Newfoundland intimate that local conditions preclude cooperation in settlement schemes.

METHODS SUGGESTED. The sub-committee reviews the action takeij in the various Dominions, with an occasional expression of opinion thereon. For example, it m.ges the development of the nomination system whether by previous settlers, collective nomination by the churches and societies or groups, but it considers the ideal form of migration is fam ily settlement. The sub-committee therefore has devoted special attention to the possibility of increasing the facilities for this' purpose. It agreed upon the desirableness of largely increasing juvenile migration, for which there were practically unlimited openings under schemes offering satisfactory guarantees for the migrants’ welfare. The number of women migrants shows an improvement, but a large further increase is necessary The sub-committee recommends the preparation of a definite scheme .for_ assistance to supplement in New Zealand and legislation for the settlement of families possessing capital, adding that the assistance granted by the British Government in Britain should not exceed an average of £2OO per family. Regarding group settlement the subcommittee endorses the opinion ol tne Economic Conference of 192.? that experiments should bo made therein, and regrets that little has been done since, but considers that more should be done in view of the progress of the West

Australian schemes. The sub-committee is of the opinion however, that group settlement must depend for its success largely upon the leadership of the group. It also stresses the importance of the organisation of settlers lor the discussion of their difficulties and requirements. Moreover, generally speaking, it is

fell that the experiment of selecting groups from the .same area in Britain lias not proved superior to other methods of selection.

The sub-committee recommends the

Governments of Britain and the Dominions to co-operate to assist British settlers to ac-qnire their own farms when they have gained the necessary

experience and are able to pay a deposit on the purchase price.

TRAINING OF MIGRANT'S. Training receives close attention m the report. The sub-committee states that the .Dominion representatives generally are of the opinion that what is needed is a short, intensive course, which will eliminate unsuitable persons and provide certain essential qualifications. They are also prepared to watch the careers of the trainees and so gain an estimate of the value of the training. The Dominion Governments are not prepared to assist financially in the training, though they are willing to provide instructors, implements and equipment. The Dominions generally are against the training of women fox agricultural pursuits. . . After expressing the opinion that complete agricultural training can only he obtainable locally the sub-commii-tee emphasises the importance of improving the rural amenities, and urges the Dominion Governments to study Hie problem of finding additional opportunities (for industrial u orkers. pointing out the steady How ol skilled workers' now going on to places o-utsi-.y* !'■ Empire. OFFERS OF FREE PASSAGES. r |lhe Australian representative, in the hope of stimulating the migration of women, agreed to recommend free passages for domestic woruers. It is announced that a. migration commission is investigating the possibility of the extension of the scope oi Qroveriimerit assistance. New Zeal a m similarly agreed to free passages ioi all approved boys and. girls under nineteen and all approved single womer between nineteen 'and forty years ol age. . Australia- is also contemplating r more active campaign with a- view tr stimulating migration of public sell no boys. 'Flie Australian representative agreed to recommend eontnbutions to wards the cost of a domestic train in scheme in England for untrained wo men. . Tlie sub-committee decided to intro duty' as soon as possible, a. schem<

approving of the appointment of permanent women conductresses on shiphoard for parties of single or unaccompanied. women migrants, the cost being borne jointly by the Kinglish and Australian’ Governments. 'Hie report pays a tribute to the success of the “big brother” movement, the possibilities of which Canada, has undertaken to explore. Canada has decided to establish a free medical service in Britain, whereby the examination of prospective settlers can hr carefully systematised.