IMMIGRATION RETURNS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8199, 27 January 1906, Page 4

IMMIGRATION RETURNS.

Despite the efforts of Government departments and officials to attract immigration to the colony, the annual returns are of a rather disappointing nature. The number of arrivals in the colony still exceeds the number of departures, but the amount of the excess is steadily declining. For instance in 1903 the colony gained 11,270 more than it lost. In 1904 the gain ■was 10,350 persons, and last year it was only 9300. The arrivals last year were 32,G55, and the departures 23,383, It is somewhat remarkable that the largest number of our foreign immigrants come from Austria. These numbered 265, and of that total 259 were adult males, five females, and one a male infant. China swelled our population by 224 males andli females. The United States of America sent over 147 adult males, 78 females, and 28 children. Germany gave us 171 new colonists, France 121, the Pacific Islands 28, and Japan only one, an adult male. If the colony is to continue to attract a desirable class of immigrant, it is clear re-doubled efforts must be put forth, especially since Canada is offering great enducements to settlers and Australia proposes to do the same.