CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 229, 26 September 1881, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To thb Editor of thh " Ethicing Mail"

Sir, — Since the meeting w&9 held at Mr CurrinVj Wskefleld, on tba 15th, I hava heard sereral argamsnts, pro and con, on the subject of Government immigration, or in other words, importing immigrants at the expense of the colony. I have been told that some districts could still absorb a stream of immigrants with advantage to the district. I think it is a pity that those districts did not make their wants known at the time, or before) the efcodufc took place to Australia, as theie is no doubt that large numberi of theraen who left hare were the most energetic of the imported immigrants, and they were attracted to Australia not merely because there wa3 a batter chance of obtaining employment there, but one great reason was that the land laws are more liberal there thau here. If the land had been open for selection on deferred payments here, the same as in Australia, hundreds of those who had brought their wives and families with them would have settled in this colony, and we should, not now be taxed for providing bone and iiinew for Australia. I would sug-, geßt that if any districts require a particular class of immigrants from Europe let them have them, but let the cost and expenses ba allocated to the district that requires them. They will not then tpply for more than they can conveniently absorb, and the colony will not be taxed for the benefit of any particular dietiict, and thus will be obviated the misery »nd distress caused by a surplus of labor, and the necessity of again instituting soup kitcb.ens.--I am, &c,

W. Painton,