EASE OF ENTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20713, 5 November 1930, Page 13

EASE OF ENTRY.

NEW ZEALAND'S OPEN DOOR. GENEROUS REGULATIONS. The ease with which reputable persons from British countries overseas arc able to enter New Zealand, although they may be seeking employment, is in sharp contrast to (lie absolute prohibition which has been imposed in Canada, as instanced by the return thin week of a number of New Zealanders and Australians who had been refused admission to Canada. Canadians, and even citizens of the United States of America, provided they are in possession of a satisfactory passport and are of good character, are admitted at the ports of New Zealand without further question. Provision is made in the Immigration Restriction Act for the control of the entry of alien immigrants. Such immigrants may, under certain conditions, be granted a permit to enter the country. Apart from this class of immigrant, incoming passengers arriving in New Zealand have little or no difficulty in getting ashore. It goes without saying that they must not be disloyal or disaffected and if they have normal health and strength are not considered likely to be a charge on the community. No person is allowed to land who, within two years, has completed a sentence of imprisonment for an offence, which, if it had been committed in New Zealand, would have been considered a major offence. There is no money qualification imposed on incoming passengers desirous of remaining in the country, such as has been imposed in Canada for several years. Complaints have been made from time to time by incoming passengers at New Zealand ports against the formalities imposed upon them prior to landing, but in view of tbo trials suffered by New Zealanders endeavouring to gain entry to Canada or the United States these appear to be trivial. The presentation of the passport would seem to be but a formal requirement, the medical examination apparently aims at excluding those suffering from contagious diseases, while the declaration demanded of persons coming into the country is simply a means of placing on record for official purposes the particulars of the newcomers. This declaration, which can be prepared in a few minutes 011 a form supplied by the ship's officers for the purpose, carries with it an oath, or. in the alternative, a declaration and affirmation of obedience to the laws of New Zealand.