EX-SERVICE IMMIGRANTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18077, 29 April 1922, Page 8

EX-SERVICE IMMIGRANTS.

! QUESTION OF FITNESS. [by telegraph.—press association] WELLINGTON, Friday. At a meeting of tho War Relief Association this afternoon reference was made to the Government scheme to grant free passages to ex-service men and women. The Overseas Settlement Committee had said that it would be happy to co-operate so as to secure ,the successful working ] of the scheme. Colonel Pow said a good many immigrants were coming from Britain under the King's Fund or on their own ac--6 count Consequently tho examination

was not strict. The Imperial Government had been written to on the subject, and it had been pointed out that many persons arrived in the Dominion so disabled as to be unable to mainiain themselves and their wives and Families, and became a burden upon the State. The Auckland Association had urged that no assistance should be given to fit men, but the Wellington Association had decided to treat each case on its merits. Mr. Leach, secretary, stated that it was a crime to bring men to New Zealand under a misapprehension or without providing work for them. The fit as. well as the unfit found difficulty in securing positions. It was decided to communicate with the High Commissioner, asking him to secure cohesion between the King's Fund, the Overseas Settlement Committee, and the H>3h Commissioner's office. Since the previous meeting of the board 301 applications have been received for assistance. The fund balance stands at £44,650.