THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1937 A COMPLEX PROBLEM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 24 June 1937, Page 6

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1937 A COMPLEX PROBLEM

IT appears that, speaking last week on the important question of migration, the Prime Minister of New Zealand “pointed out that as long as Britain restricted the purchases of Dominion produce, it was no use planning to send out more people to raise more of that produce.” This week, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, Secretary of State for the Colonies, says that when New Zealand is ready to receive them Britain would prefer to send out young men who should be trained for farm work in this country. In commenting on this suggestion, Mr Savage is reported to have said, “If Britain would agree to open her market to New Zealand products his country would be willing and able to settle many men on the land.” If these reports are correct, it should not be difficult for the two governments to agree upon a plan of migration which would suit both of them. There is no doubt that overpopulation is a serious problem in England, and that this country would be the better for a larger population, if the increase could be effected without detriment to the economic situation. Mr Savage therefore makes a proposition, and—allowing for the safeguard mentioned—in this part of the

world it seems to be a reasonable one: he says to Britain, in so many words, “If you will abolish the limitations which you have imposed in relation to the importation of New Zealand’s products, we will be willing to settle a substantial number of your people in our country.” The Premier of New Zealand would strike a bargain which would enlarge the terms of the Ottawa Agreement, and place New Zealand in a more favourable position in the British market- than are certain foreign countries which at the present time seem to hold a privileged position there, in spite of the fact that they are not included in the Ottawa Agreement. It should be possible for the two governments to frame proposals agreeable to both of them. Recently Sir H. Page-Croft was reported to have tabled in the House of Commons a motion (supported by 244 Conservatives) favouring the early resumption of migration, and urging the (British) Government to invite the Dominions to prepare for it, and itself to indicate its readiness to grant credit facilities.” There are certain political elements in this country whose fear is that increased immigration means fewer positions available for native-born workers, but their objection should surely be withdrawn if the Government adopts the suggested plan for settling incoming migrants on the land. It has been pointed out, time and again, that this country needs a bigger population, for safety s sake; and it is obvious that an increased agricultural population, established under existing legislation framed for the purpose, should be settled on arable lands which are suitable for general farming, but at present are used for grazing sheep.