IMMIGRANTS ARRIVE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17663, 27 December 1920, Page 4

IMMIGRANTS ARRIVE.

PARTY BY THE ARAWA. OVER 300 NEW SETTLERS. 120 TO STAY IN AUCKLAND. Ihe steamer Arawa. which arrived in Auckland from Southampton on Saturday evening, and berthed at Queen's Wharf at half-past two yesterday afternoon, brought out over 300 intending settlers under the British overseas settlement scheme. The ship carried 487 passengrs in all. Of these 54 were in tfce first saloon, 75 second, and 385 third. Of the total number 521, who -were for various destinations "south of Auckland, left by special train at twenty minutes to nine o'clock last evening. The immigrant party included 29 domestic servants, who came out in charge of a matron. The vessel was met by Mr. H. D. Thomson, Under-Secretary of the Department ot ' Immigration, who makes the arrangements in connection with the ! arrival ot all immigrants who tiavel from Great Britain curect. The SaKation Army Immigration Department was also represented on the ship, Adjutant I A. Greene and Mr. C. Davies both meeti ing the boat. The chief concern of '-he | Salvation Army was to provide accommodation for those new arrivals who were remaining in Auckland. Some difficulty was experienced in this work. Tie vessel had originally been expected on December 24. Arrangements at various accommodation houses we're made for this date. When, however, it was discovered that the newcomers were not expected to land until yesterday, the severe tax placed on all accommodation by the holiday rush into town complicated the position. ! Eventually matters were adjusted satisfactorily. " One hundred and twenty of the third-class passengers remained in Auckland. Lodging arrangements were made foT 90, the balance being met by relatives or friends who were able to make provision for them. The Defence authorities had arranged, in the event of arry lack of accommodation, that the exI soldiers among the immigrants should be i housed temporarily in the Drill Hall, where shake-downs were to have been provided. The Arawa's complement appeared to be a thoroughly satisfactory class of | settler. They were a well-dressed and well set up looking party. Here and there the gleam of a medal ribbon on a man's vest showed his war service. The testimony of the ship's officers was that thev were the best lot that had been carried. The vessel was a happy 6hip. being favoured with good weather, particularly after leaving the Panama zone. Christmas Day was celebrated on board on the day on -which the 6hip made port. There were plenty of sturdy happy-looking children among the party to make the Christmas seem a real one. The arrival of those new settlers who were awaited by friends already in the country occasioned a number of happy little reunions on the wharf immediately the vessel berthed. % large crowd g-athered outside the whapf gates as the Arawa was moving in. By the time she was made fast there was an animated sceno at" the ship side, with the exchange of greetings. The customs officers had gone aboard earlier, so that all was in readiness for the disembarkation. The gangway was promptly let down, and an immediate rush shoreward began. Parfy after party came down with their luggage,' passed the examining officers, and were promptly swallowed by the, growinsr crowd. All the arrangements worked smoothly, and, amid scenes of greetings from the sliore crowd and farewells amonir fellow-passengers, the ship was speedily cleared of those whose home she had been for just over six weeks.