EMPIRE MIGRATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21378, 30 December 1932, Page 6

EMPIRE MIGRATION

External migration statistics for 11 months of the year indicate that 1932 will be distinguished by a definite loss in adult population. For the period the number of arrivals intending to take up permanent residence was 1408, while the total of "permanent" residents departing for good was 2788. Last year the departures were nearly as numerous, 2693 being the official total, but a "credit balance" was still maintained by arrivals numbering 3236. Never before, unless in the very early days, when the lure of gold in California and Australia took away comparatively large numbers of those who had intended making New Zealand their home, had the figures been so close. In 1928 and 1929, for instance, the gain was over 3000, notwithstanding a severe curtailment of assisted immigration. In such times as these a population drift of this sort is inevitable, and doubtless it would be much greater if more disappointed and thwarted people possessed the means of travel. It is the way of human nature to respond to the allurement of tlie distant hills, even without the added impulse created by tribulation and distress. The "permanent departure" of "permanent" residents has frequently been greater than irr this or last year. In 1927 the

total was 4145/ and in 1928, 3954. There is no call, therefore, to regard the egress of the present year as very exceptional. At the same time it must be recognised that economic depression is sending Home many immigrants of former years, who imagine that in their native environment they will be better able to eke out a living. Some New Zealanders have followed them and the probability is that a number of them will have to be repatriated at the expense of the country. One man with a wife and two children reached London not long ago with the sum of £ll between himself and starvation. This sort of folly ought to be prevented. The main movement, however, is "that of returning immigrants, though, in the case of New Zealand, a substantial proportion of those departing are bound only for Australia. The drift is symptomatic of the times, and when conditions become normal those who have once been foot-loose will probably feel the call of the outer Empire again.