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THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION.

Sir, —In common with many other papers throughout New Zealand, the llkhai.u frequently points out the laxity of the Government, in the matter of encouraging immigration. This complaint is, no doubt, justified by facts.', but have we anv right to call atuntioii to the chip in the Government' eye when there is a whole plank in our own? Speaking in. the light of what I have se.Ti and have helped to do in other towns, I am sure that by intelligent co-opera-tion tho citizens of Auckland could induce 10,009 suitable immigrants to settle in the city and province each year. Not the slighfest Government, assistance' is necessary for this, oniy the whole-souled enthusiasm of all niiv people. I can best outline my proposals by describing what was done in a Western ■ .American city, of which I was a , resident. for several years. In 1904- it was recognised' that the city needed lots more labour, rind that it would help the city materially if the adjoining lands were cut, • up and lametl. • An association 'was formed to further these objects. The population was then -aiiic 50,000, and two years later, when 1. >>•(;, i here, were over 70,000 people in the city, which,' jby the way, Jacked many of the advantages' of 'Auckland... Almost every rami; in the town joined the association. which had the merely., nominal membership fee oi a dollar a year, it was not a man's money that was desired for this work—-ii was Lis enthusiastic assistance. A general committee managed the affairs. of the association, and „a committee of advertising men (of which 1 was a member) advised as to the best means of making tho advantages of {be city known in every corner of the country. A nunjJjer of • schemes were decided upon, bit!; tuo chief dependence, was placed on personal letters. A special letter, detailing all the advantages of this town, was written. Each member of the association took upon himself as part of his membership duties to write this letter, or one similar, to at least two people during the year. Pamphlets and leaflets descriptive of the town were given to all who wished to circulate them with their letters. Members were specially encouraged to write to the newspapers in their homo towns, giving news of the city, and incidentally mentioning how desirable a place it was from every point of view. A number of other plans were used, but there is no room for them here. Every effort was used by the managers of the association to make members and citizens generally proud of their town. Now, Auckland could, with advantage, copy so excellent an example. Wo have here one of the most" beautiful cities on earth, a superb harbour, a fine climate, and a rich surrounding country crying out for population. Any man capable of enthusiasm could wax enthusiastic .about Auckland. We have room for thousands of immigrants, and if we care to take the trouble (forgetting that we have a Government to lean on) we can get those people. Are we willing to do each his share? Geobgb Wiisox.

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19080509.2.11.4

Bibliographic details

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13745, 9 May 1908, Page 3

Word Count
520

THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION. New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13745, 9 May 1908, Page 3

THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION. New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13745, 9 May 1908, Page 3