BRITISH IMMIGRANTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17652, 13 December 1920, Page 4

BRITISH IMMIGRANTS.

Recent complaints against the methods of the Immigration Department have been given formal confirmation by a meeting of men who came to the Dominion under the Imperial Government's scheme. It seems clear that the cause for complaint arises from a lack of co-opera - tionbetweentheNew Zealand authorities and the Imperial overseas settlement scheme. Generally immigrants who have arrived within the past few months agree that application to the High Commissioner's office enabled them to obtain reasonably accurate information regarding conditions in New Zealand. The London office is evidently not creating any illusions regarding the prospects of settlement on the land ; there is no reason why it should not be as well informed regarding housing conditions. So far as the general cost of living is concerned, detailed information is scarcely possible, since important changes may occur during the passage from England. The substantial grievance appears to be that the arrangements for the reception of immigrants are not perfect, and neglect in this respect is a legitimate ground for complaint, since the greatest difficulty confronting the new arrivals is the discovery of suitable accommodation. From the recent statement by the Minister for Immigration, it appears that officers of the department meet all direct steamers, and there is no doubt that the system is working smoothly and effectively. The weakness is in respect of parties despatched by the Imperial committee by way of. Australia, and reaching the Dominion by the intercolonial service. It is certainly due to them that reliable arrangements should be made for the notification of the New Zealand authorities, so that their reception may be as hospitable as possible, and the department should welcome the assistance of a local committee, offered by yesterday's meeting. The Government is disinclined to accept responsibility for . the Imperial scheme, but . such indifference is foolish. During the eight months ended November 30, 5595 assisted immigrants arrived in the Dominion, this number easily eclipsing previous modern records. No fewer than 2390 were sponsored by the Imperial committee, so that the Dominion is profiting greatly by the activities of that organisation, and would gain by closer co-opera-tion with it. A more obvious weakness is the centralisation of the Immigration Department- Apparently it has no permanent representation outside Wellington, and officers have to travel to the other ports to meet every direct, steamer, while prospective employers have to apply to Wellington even for nomination forms. Yet Mr. Nosworthy's return shows that the greatest volume of immigration is into the Auckland Province, more than one-third of the arrivals in the eight months having settled in this district. The appointment of a permanent immigration officer in Auckland has become essential.