THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6622, 7 February 1883, Page 5

THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION.

TELEGIIA.PU. —I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.] Dd>kiji.n-, Tuesday. The following letter on immigration, from jlr. M. R. Hodgkins, solicitor, appears in to-night's Star : —"I take the liberty of enclosing an extract from a letter received by me from the Rev. W. VY. Green, on the above and other subjects, and as the importance of resuming the rystera of immigration to New Zealand is now again, and not too soon, attracting attention, I venture to express the hope that some effort will be made by those having charge of the matter to divert the stream of labour to our shores, instead of allowing it to flow to other countries. I may say that Mr. Green, during his short stay in Otago last year, was much impressed with the suitability of this part of the colony for the reception, not only of the small farmer class among whom he resides, but also of the Swiss peasantry, a body of men whom he describes as temperate and industrious in an eminent degree, aud especially fitted for occupying and cultivating the large quantities of land in the vicinity of onr lakes, which are practically at present lying waste, and he expressed his willingness to give all the help in his power in furthering any scheme which might be set on foot by the Government for the introduction into this country of these classes of immigrants. 1 may add that I sent Mr. Green a short time since a batch of papers, maps, &c., all giving information as to day labour, price?, &c., he having kindly promised to give publicity to tliem, not only m his own immediate neighbourhood but in the Swiss journals. I feel (|uit3 satisfied, therefore, that we have in him a valuable and sympathising friend." [Extract.] "I have thought a good deal over the possibility of sending emigrants to New Zealand. A great exodus of the best part of our rural population is taking place to America. lam sure I could induce many to go to New Zealand on the terms I named to you, viz., letting their work pay for their passage out. If we could arrange everything on these terms, letter writing takes such a time, that we might see our way towards registering a telegraphic address, and f'.'i ini.':g a code saying when vacancies occur for lab' ur, its nature, <tc , or when I should havo men ready to go, and possibly about Swiss shepherds also. Ido not like to see our people going to America, because the influences there are not good for them, and they cease to be British subjects, and the climate is most unsuitable for many who SO-"