EMPIRE FARMERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 220, 15 August 1928, Page 7

EMPIRE FARMERS

DISCUSSION IN LONDON. EFFECT OF MIGRATION. THE ALIEN ENCROACHMENT. (United Press Association.—By Electric Teldgraph.—-Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Received August 15, 11.40 a.m. LONDON, Aug. 14. The Farmers’ Empire Conference was continued to-day, Sir Thomas Mackenzie presiding. A discussion took place on the development of grass lands in the Empire. It wag stated that £42,000,000 worth of products of the world’s grass lands were imported annually by Britain. They were mostly foreign, but a part could be produced within the Empire. Mr Yelland (Victoria) stated that the farmers’ tour of tho Empire had dispelled any misgivings as to tho character, capacity and status of Britons as compared with people of tho Continental countries. Mr P. J. H. Hannon, M.P., said that tho feature of the migration problem was the increase in tne number of aliens entering the Dominions compared with Britishers. In the last four years British migration to Australia had increased twelve per cent., while the influx of aliens had doubled. Mr Yelland stated that tho whole problem was whether suitable country employees could be obtained from the cities, because the English farmers could spare none. Mr Vailo (New, Zealand) said that city wages were responsible for men leaving the land. Until the present false standard of living- changed New Zealand could not absorb more migrants. The conference approved of a tour of British fanners of Australia and Now Zealand at the end of 1929.