Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,400 Copies Daily. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1907. AGRICULTURAL CADETS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8453, 2 December 1907, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,400 Copies Daily. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1907. AGRICULTURAL CADETS.

A new source from which immigrants of a desirable character might be drawn to New Zealand has recently presented itself in London and other English cities. There is reported to be an increasing inclination on the part of young men in the larger centres to "go out to the colonies " and take up farming. They wish to become cadets, and will give their services for six monthß to farmers of good standing in exchange for instruction and accommodation. After the first six months they would look for payment, and would be prepared to accept it on a .progressive scale. Canada,, Australia, and New Zealand are the particular colonies to which these young men turn their eyes, arid all,of the Australasian Government agents in London say that they are interviewed at intervals by these would-be cadets, who are able in some cases to show that after getting colonial experience they would be assisted by their fathers or other relatives to start as farmers on their own account. But in nearly every case, it appears, they want engagements before migrating, so that they may be able to get to work immediately on arriving at their destination. This involves correspondence, long delays, and not seldom ultimate disappointment. In Canada many sterling settlerß have been secured in this way. The officer in charge of the Queensland Commercial Agency in London says that he could find an unlimited number Of young Londoners willing to pay their own passages to Australia if farmers would take them on the terms mentioned. Of course, they know little or nothing about country work. Mostly they are shop hands, clerks and the sons of small tradesmen. But they are all of good physique, intelligent beyond the average of the country bred Englishmen, and apparently very willing to learn. Satisfactory evidence as to their health and character could no doubt be given in advance to anyone disposed to employ them. It would be the business of the Government agencies to get such evidence for the employers, and make any other inquiries necessary. Having an ample know-

ledge of couritry life in. Australia, the Queensland ag4ftt says, the men -whc.have been calling on him in increasing numbers of late would be more desirable as settlers than many of the country Englishmen whose experience of agricultural work appears to be their chief recommendation. The town men would be quick learners, and a larger proportion of them than of the other class would receive assistance from friends when ready to start farming for themselves. The emigration of men of this stamp is worth encouraging, and judging by the number of town men who have successfully rooted themselves on the soil in Canada within the last few years, there is here a promising field for obtaining recruits for New Zealand.