THE ALIEN QUESTION

Northland Age, Volume 14, Issue 33, 26 April 1917, Page 5

THE ALIEN QUESTION

The Kaitaia Chamber of Commerce has carried resolutions affecting aliens which will have the sympathy of residents in the King Country. In Otorohanga and district there are a number of men who have come from the countries which are at war with the Empire, and though many of them have no sympathy with the objects of our enemies yet precautions must be taken in the general interests of the country, so that the constant draining away of our young manhood shall not mean the handing over of businesses to people with no claims or rights in the State. The resolutions ask that all aliens be compelled to register at once, that aliens up to 55 years of age be employed on national or farming work at a wage of Its per day, and that aliens who refuse work under the above conditions should be interned. No one will quarrel with these modest proposals. An alien is not necessarily a German nor an enemy. He may be the subject of an enemy state, but with entirely British sympathies. But he must be put in the position of doing a service to the country of his adoption at a fair rate of pay, just as many men of British dcseent may be called on to do. The Otorohanga Chamber has passed a similar resolution, and we entirely suppor the proposal.