MORE PEOPLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23121, 20 August 1938, Page 17

MORE PEOPLE

NEW ZEALAND'S NEED

immigration advocated SUGGESTIONS TO GOVERNMENT NO CHANGE MADE IN POLICY [llY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WE L I JN(i TON, Fri day Tlio nood for a nioro vigorous immigration policy in New Zealand was stressed by several Opposition speakers during the discussion on the estimates of the Labour Department in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr. .). Hardest (Opposition—Awarna) drew attention to a vote of £7BO for passage money for immigrants. He asked if that sum had been spent on bringing carpenters to New Zealand for the Government's housing scheme and also inquired whether it was the policy of the Government to bring out more expert tradesmen from overseas. "There is a widespread feeling," said Mr. Hargest, "that in view of our static population immigration should be encouraged and that wo should bring out more people of a suitable type who would prove to be desirable citizens. Requests from German Jews "These people would bring with them capital and technical skill, which could bo of great value to the country. I understand there have been numerous applications from German Jews who wish to settle in the Dominion and make their homes here. These people might not come under this grant, but 1 believe that people from Northern Europe, apart from British and Irish migrants, would be the most desirable typo as far as New Zealand is concerned. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Opposition— Waitomo) said the Dominion was at present experiencing a peak prosperity and the main lack was people. Migration should properly lie regarded from the standpoint of Empire development as the whole question of development was wrapped up with the transfer of people and capital from the older countries.

Larger Internal Market Wanted "AVo want a larger internal market for our production, both primary and secondary," said Mr. Broadfoot, "and we could certainly do with more migrants from Great Britain. However, wo have had many excellent immigrants in the past from various European countries and we could well give them au opportunity of sending out more of their people." Mr. Broadfoot added that the question of migration was of such importance that the Government should consider setting up a Itoyal Commission to investigate the whole matter. "We have to look to the Old Country for defence," he said. "If she has a problem of surplus population it is our duty to offer our full co-operation. I would be grateful if the Minister could prevail 011 his colleagues in the Cabinet to see that fairer treatment is given in this respect." The Minister of Labour, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, said the vote of £7BO on the estimates was to cover certain assisted passages in co-operation with the British Government. As far as the general policy of immigration was concerned there had been no change.