NEW SETTLERS ARRIVE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19276, 15 March 1926, Page 10

NEW SETTLERS ARRIVE.

THE ATHENIC'S CONTINGENT. YOUNG AND VIRILE PARTY. MANY BOYS FOR FARMING. SALVATION ARMY SCHEME. . The population of New Zealand was increased yesterday by 358, this number of assisted immigrants arriving by the Athenic from England. , They were greeted by warm sunshine and by the kindly and encouraging advice of the Immigration Department officers, who never fail to cheer a saddened heart. The contingent comprised for the most, part,young and virile people, who should do well. Conversing with them on the ship they were frequently heard, to say they had come to New Zealand to work find to work hard. They provide further proof that the emigration authorities in England are well conversant with the type of settler that is needed here. Certainly none of them appeared to be suffering from the effects of London fogs. Voyage Passes Pleasantly. The voyage was made very pleasant by the activities of a strona committen which arranged dances, sports and parties for the children, of whom there were 55. After leaving Southampton the Athenic ran into very bad weather but fortrm ately missed the great storms that have been raging in the Atlantic. For a few days most of the passengers were confined to their bunks. Thereafter, however, there was fine weather until off the New Zealand coast when for two or three days the Athenic met with fairly rough,seas. Forty-four immigrants were boys who came out under the Salvation Army's immigration scheme. They were in charge of Mr. J. Hoy, a Salvation Army officer. The boys, whose . ages range from 17 to 19, are a fine sturdy type. ,

Mr. Hoy stated they were the sons of working people and had all the advantages of good health, youth and keenness to succeed. Every day on the voyage they performed physical exercises and indulged in pastimes, such as boxing,. running and jumping. They will be trained for the land. on. the Salvation Army's farm at Putaruru and when they have acquired the rudiments of farming will be drafted out to various farms in New Zealand. • Bibles from General Booth. • A very pleasant ceremony in connection, with the boys took place on the voyage. Before leaving England Mr. Hoy was given forty-four Bibles by General Bramwell Booth, head of the Salvation Army. One morning they were distributed among the boys, Captain E, Davies, master of the Athenic, addressing the lads and telling them to work hard and, not forget to read the Bible sometimes.

Altogether they were a happy lot and ! while the Athenic was in the stream sang a number of songs. To date a total -of 2.18 boys have come to New Zealand under the scheme, and reports indicate that they are all doing well. Twelve public school boys who have come out under -the Government settlement scheme, and will be placed on farms, were passengers by the ship. There were - also 42 domestics, all of whom have work? to go to. The majority of the other immigrants will go farming. . Birth on, the Voyage. A great event happened on February 24, when a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs: C. Johnston. The christening ceremony was performed on Saturday by the Rey, C. L. Brown, a passenger, after a 'thanksgiving service. There was a large 'attendance &t the service and the child was named Gladys. A large number of people gathered on the wharf when the Athenic berthed at-about,-six o'clock last -evening. As .the vessel drew alongside a party of Maoris, who. were returning after acting as volunteer seamen, sang several ,songs. When the immigrants stepped ashore, the on-' lookers crowded near and subjected them ( to the keenest' scrutiny. The many greet-; ings made them feel they had come among .friends.' The immigrants destined for placesgouth of, will leave by the second Main Trunk express this evening. WAIMANA'S LARGE BATCH. SHIP ARRIVES ON THURSDAY. During the Immigration Department's year, which will close on Marcn 31, close upon 7000 immigrants will have landed in New Zealand. Had it not been for the recent shipping strike the number would ha.ve been greater. It is anticipated there will be an increased flow of immigrants during the next working year, when the number should reach the 10.000 mark. There are 798 immigrants on board the Waimana, which is expected to arrive at Auckland from London on Thursday. This will be the largest contingent to land in New Zealand so far this year. ; The Waimana is ordinarily a cargo steamer, but passenger accommodation has been specially fitted up for the trip. Among the passengers are 201 children ,and 54 farm workers. 1 Details of the immigrants, with their, destinations, pre.as follow: —

It" is anticipated that a, special train ■will be,, required for the quota of the Waimana's immigrants. The Rotorua, which is ■due'at 1 Wellington"' next, Sunday from London,'has- 258 immigrants on board ■. ~r _ „ r---;

ChildMen. Women. ren. Total. Auckland '. 96 75.. 80 231 ;Ne\v Plymouth . 20 14 .11' 45 'Wanganui .... . , 7 . _ 8 3 IB ■.Giaborne ., . 9 7 6-x 22 iNasiey ■- • • ... 13''. 7 r» 26 ■Wellington . 9S 25" ' 166 Picton . 3 5 '4- • 12 3 .« v 1--1 ■ 1 iGreymouth 22 9 20 51 ' WestVort " ; ! - 9 ' » 7 .- 13 - - 29 I.Lytt'elton . 31 24 13 '68 jTirnaru ;. . -fv 7 15 2a IDunedin .. • , 3d .26 . 19 i „ .79 ..Bluff . H 4 5 •JO : . Totals, ... . 361 236 201 798