GENERAL BOOTH’S SCHEME.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13878, 12 October 1905, Page 7

GENERAL BOOTH’S SCHEME.

THE ATTITUDE OF THE AGENTSGENERAL. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. (Received October 11, 9.33 a.m.) LONDON, October 11. Sir Goghlan lias issued a statement defining tho attitude of the AgentsGeuoral towards General Booth. Mr Goghlan a fortnight ago informed Colonel Taylor, who called on General Booth’s behalf, that he was not officially aware how the proposals would be received in Australia, and that when officially instructed ho would communicate with General Booth. Meanwhile, he suggested maturing the scheme ready for discussion should the Agents-General lie instructed to co-operate. Mr Ooghlan assured Colonel Taylor that there was great sympathy with immigration among Australian representatives, but the ©migrants. must he of a class approved by the Australian people. Besides this official statement, several of the Agents-General subsequently expressed to Colonel Taylor their individual opinions. Sir Horace Tozer suggested that the existing system of nominated passages should be utilised for a small experiment under the Salvation Army auspices. Mr Dobson (Tasmania) urged that the paramount necessity was careful selection. ( Received October 11, 11 p.m.) Mr James, Agent-General for Western Australia, declared' that General Booth’s scheme must not be rushed. The idea of putting down 5000 families in one season was entirely out of the question. Thar© should be proper selection and small beginnings. Mr Tavener said that any scheme must he carefully thought out, and a general policy established. The Victorian Government would welcome immigrants with means, but had a duty to its own people who were desirous of settling on tho land. Mr Coghlan remarks that it appears that none of the Australian representatives turned the cold shoulder to the scheme. They are awaiting specific intimation and definite proposals from the Salvation. Amy.