R.S.A. POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 25 June 1937, Page 3

R.S.A. POLICY

MIGRATION SUPPORTED DEFENCE AND EMPLOYMENT [United Press Association] WELLINGTON, 24th June. In the past, the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association has supported planned immigration for the closer settlement of the Dominion, and, after a discussion at the conference of delegates from branch association today, this support was reiterated. Ondelegate opposed immigration on the grounds that more men should not be brought into the country while unemployment still existed, but the general opinion was that increased population would mean an improved defensive position and increased possibilities fo' - the employment of men unfit for heavy work. The Waimarino R.S.A. presented the following remit: “That the Government be urged by the Dominion Council (of the R.S.A.) to delay any consideration of immigration untill all unemployed returned men are reabsorbed into industry or otherwise adequately provided for.” This remit was considered by a committee and its deletion was recommended. Mr J. M. Heise (Waimarino) opposed the committee’s recommendation, and spoke in favour of the remit. Mr W. E. Leadley (Christchurch) moved as an amendment: “That the first line of defence for New Zealand should be increased population, and a scheme of planned immigration from Great Britain should be inaugurated as soon as possible.” There were thousands of unemployed men who would never be reabsorbed into employment under existing circumstances, Mr Leadley said, and if they refused to countenance immigration until every man was employed they would be adopting a policy of suicide. If there was planned immigration every fifty men brought into the country would create enough work to give another man a job. Mr C. L. Calvert (Dunedin) seconded the motion. A NATIONAL MATTER

Mr H B. Burdekin (Dominion Council) supported the amendment and appealed to delegates to view immigration in a national way. It would take

some years to develop a planned scheme and consequently anything they could do to increase the population of New Zealand would be for the benefit of posterity. Everyone must admit that New Zealand could not be held by a small population, said Mr N. H. Colquhoun (Oamaru), and consequently it was the duty of all returned soldiers to support a plan for immigration Mr R. A. Cheyne (Apiti) said that the more New Zealand could increase internal trading the better defensive position the country would be in More internal trading would increase prosperity. but trading needed more population. The unemployed returned soldiers could not get work because there was not sufficient light work for them. Increased population would lead to an increase in the number of positions su’table for men unfit for heavy work, and consequently immigration would help the unemployed.

Mr B J. Jacobs (vice president) also supported the amendment and urged the delegates to reaffirm the policy endorsed by the R S.A. in the past.

The amendment was carried unan mously.