IMMIGRATION POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13814, 29 July 1908, Page 7

IMMIGRATION POLICY.

PRIME MINISTER'S VIEWS.

DEPUTATION OF UNEMPLOYED.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Tuesday. Two or three hundred alleged unemployed met at the Queen's statue to-day, and passed resolutions condemning the action of the Government in advertising in England reports calculated to give wrong impressions to intending immigrants, and calling for the cessation of immigration, also, that the Government should take immediate steps to alleviate distress through lack of employment. After a procession through the streets a deputation waited on the Prime Minister. Mr. D McLaren (secretary of the Waterside Workers' Union) said that there were about 1600 names on the union's books, but the number of men who made anything like a living did not exceed 600. Sir Joseph Ward said the representations of the speakers would be fully considered. Regarding immigration he was not in favour of any kind that would be likely to disorganise the labour market. If the new arrivals were not being legitimately absorbed the Government would take steps to stop the immigration, as far as possible. If there was any aggravation of the unemployed problem it was due to arrivals from Australia and not from Britain. Since 1904 the immigrants from Great Britain included 1883 farmers and farm workers, and 1660 navvies and domestic servants. The total number of people who might possibly be considered to influence the labour market was 1967. This number included some artisans, but the men were mostly farm labourers. The total capital brought in by immigrants since 1904" was £389,660. He submitted that high rents were responsible for much of the sufferings here. The Government had tried to get land for workers' homes, but had been unable to secure it at reasonable rales.

The Minister for Railways, he added, had said that he wanted men fo: railways, and men were wanted for roads. The Government would do all in its power to assist men to get employment. CHRISTCHURCH unemployed

HOT SOUP AND PROVISIONS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christchurch, Tuesday.

Our of 41 men to whom passes- to Broken River were issued for use on to-day's train seven failed to use them. Only about half a dozen more applications for work were received at the Labour Bureau this morning.

Brigadier Albiston, of tne Salvation Army, informed a representative of Truth to-day that the Army had been endeavouring to locate the alleged distress referred to by speakers at recent meetings in the square, but so far without success. The statement has been made that there were families in want of food, and Brigadier Albiston states that on Thursday arrangements will be made to dispense hot soup and provisions at the Army headquarters, in Victoria-street.

POSITION IN AUCKLAND.

[BY telegraph.—press association.]

Wellington, Tuesday.

The Prime Minister received a report from the local agent of the Labour Bureau this morning, stating that 147 men (28 of whom were married) had registered themselves at Auckland as being unemployed. A number of these had obtained work, and the number left on the books was 124.