MIGRATION PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23052, 1 June 1938, Page 18

MIGRATION PLAN

AUSTRALIA ACTS A DEFINITE REVIVAL OVER 1100 NOMINATIONS DOMESTICS AND FARM YOUTHS In contrast with New Zealand's inactivity, the Federal Government of Australia, has taken definite steps to revive assisted migration from Britain. Between the beginning of March, when a commencement was made, and the middle of May, 1143 nominations of individuals had been granted, and the first migrants aro expected in less than throe months' time. The arrangements made between the Commonwealth and State Governments are explained in a statement recently issued by the Minister for tho Interior, Mr. J. McEwen. This makes it clear that the Commonwealth is instituting an active migration policy, particularly in regard to domestic workers, youths for farms and children for training m special schools. Commonwealth and States Prior to 1920, responsibility for assisted migration 'was shared between the Commonwealth and the States, the former undertaking recruitment, medical examination and transport, and the latter reception, settlement and after-care. In 1930 assisted immigration was restricted virtually to the reunion of families. Six years later it was decided to grant assisted passages to the extent' desired by any State, but no advantage was taken of this until last February, when proposals were brought forward by New South Wales and South Australia. The Commonwealth then decided, in co-operation with the United Kingdom Government, to grant assisted passages in favour of persons nominated by individuals or by approved organisations, such as Fairbridge Farm Schools, Dr. Barnardo's Homes, the Big Brother Movement, the Y.W.C.A., the Salvation Army or the churches. The scheme also covered migrants specially requisitioned for by , any State, and approved persons resident in Britain and possessing certain, minimum amounts of capital or assured income at date of arrival in Australia. Provision was made for assistance to retired army officers and civil servants migrating from India with their families. s Group Nominations New South Wales is now co-operating fully in the scheme, South Australia and Queensland in part, and Victoria and Western Australia to the extent of a few nominations only. Tasmania alone has taken no action up to the present. The following group nominations have been approved:— Church of England Migration Council, Sydney: 200 household workers and 200 youths for farm work, to arrive at the rat© of 25 monthly in each category. The youths will receive instruction at the Scheyville Training Farm before being placed in employment. The after-care of both classes of migrants •will be undertaken by the Migration Council, and the British Settlers' Welfare Committee will assist in regard to the youths. Salvation Army, Sydney: 300 household workers and 120 youths for farm work, to arrive at the rate of 25 and 10 a month respectively. The Salvation Army has made itself responsible for placement and after-care. Personal nominations covering 144 person s--have been approved, on the responsibility of the nominators. South Australia has requisitioned for 42 household workers, who will arrive over a period of six months. The State Government is responsible for them. Child Migration For child migration the following nominations have .been approved: Fairbridge Farm Schools, New South Wales' 28 and Victoria 84j Presbyterian Orphan Home, Burnside, New South Wales, 25; total, 137. The total nominations under the scheme up to May we're as follows: Group, 820; personal. 144; State requisitions. 42: child migration schemes, 137; total. 1143. The present migration scheme differs from that of 1921 only to the extent that no provision is made for land settlement and that the Commonwealth will accept direct nominations in addition to those endorsed by the State Governments. For the information of applicants, Australia House, London, is kept regularly posted <?n the condition of .industry and individual occupations in each State. Married men are required to have not less than £3OO capital or a pension m other income of £IOO a year or mdre. and single men must have at least £SO capital. The Commonwealth and United Kingdom Governments bear the cost of assisted passages in equal shares.