IMMIGRATION IN OTAGO.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 177, 21 November 1874, Page 12

IMMIGRATION IN OTAGO.

It will he remembered that we recently published an article on the treatment of immigrants in Otago, copied from the Mount Ida Chronicle , as well as a further article on destitution in Dunedin, copied from the Daily limes. The facts broadly stated by our contemporaries created not a little surprise in this part of the colony, and there were not wanting those who treated the statements as exaggerations. The following, however, published in the Otac/o Guardian , or a more recent date, would leave no room to doubt the truth of the allegations in the Mount Ida journal. The Guardian remarks : AVe presume the Government are aware of the reports emanating from Alount Ida respecting the sufferings of the immigrants—some sixteen families—who were lately despatched to that region, with the understanding that the men were to be employed on the Head Kaee there. If they are not already cognisant of the matter, we beg to refer them to an extract from the

Mount Ida Chronicle, which appears another column : and to point out the necessity which exists for making an immediate and full inquiry. If the facts be as stated, or if they even approximate thereto, a verv cruel and grievous wrong has been done. In the first place the immisrrants were sent up to one oi the coldest and bleakest parts of Otago—about 2000 ft. above the sea-level—in the middle of September, and such a September as has seldom _ been equalled for severity of weather. In the next, it would seem that no proper arrangements were made for their engagement on the public works: and, finally, no preparation was made for their reception there, nor even for housing them. V.’e are loth to believe that such a state of aiiairs as is described can be possible: yet, we have no reason to doubt the accuracy of our contemporary, who, dwelling on the miseries to which these unhappy stranger's have been condemned by the combined Of carelessness and greed, indignantly exclaims, “If these people had represented trout or salmon they would have been cared for. If they had been prize shorthorns or horses, sheds warm and dry would have been provided for them: but, being as they are, the wet winter earth, the ruined sod, and the single ply of calico, with the rain misting through it, is their sufficient share to live or die in as they can.” The Guardian , anxious to screen the Provincial Executive, says : Of one tiling we feel perfectly assured, namely, that the members of the Executive are not personally to blame. But this fact, renders it all the more their imperative duty to sift the matter No considerations should be allowed to shield the offenders. As it now faces us, it is a blot on, and a disgrace to. the management of the immigration business ; and it will be seized upon with avidity and made the most of by the opponents of our immigration scheme. On the other hand, if the statements put fortli are untrue, or if they are exaggerated, an inquiry is necessary for the satisfaction of the public mind, and for the vindication of all concerned in the transaction. Any way the matter cannot rest as it is. The mind revolts at the inhuman treatment which the women and children are alleged to have under- . gone : and if (as the Chron icie states) they were cozened up the country by promises subsequently unfulfilled, no language can too strongly denounce such heartless misconduct, nor any punishment be too severe for the primary offenders, and those who, from thoughtlessness or otherwise, suffered such a public misfortune to accrue. We refrain from saying anything as to the culpability, or otherwise, of the members of the Provincial Executive of Otago. What we do know is that this scandalous neglect has taken place under provincial management, and that the colony expects a searching inquiry. We shall then see who is to blame. Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Otago must be content to bear the odium until they succeed in clearing themselves of all blame in the matter. We have already urged on the Hen. Commissioner of Immigration the necessity for instituting a searching inquiry into this business, and we should like to know whether anything has been done in the matter. Manifestly, it cannot remain in its present state. The credit of the colony is at stake; and no personal, or other consideration, can be allowed to stand in the way of the most thorough investigation. Otherwise, the affair is certain to occupy the attention of the Legislature.