IMMIGRATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1745, 16 August 1905, Page 13

IMMIGRATION.

ATTRACTING POPULATION. In the House of Representatives last week the Premier answered questions put by Mr Aitken as to (1) whether he was aware that a circular had been issued to the public headed “Reduced Fares to New Zealand,” and signed by T. E. Donne, Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, containing, amongst other things, the following paragraph:—‘Warrants for passages can be obtained in New Zealand from any of the companies’ agents on payment of full amount of ordinary fare, the Government contribution and special allowance to be refunded on subsequent production of the Agent-General’s approval in writing” ? (2) Does he know that the Department of Immigration has refused in at least one instance to pay the promised contribution ? The Premier replied that he was aware of the circular issued by the Department of Industries and Commerce. He admitted that the circular might have teen more clearly expressed, in order to prevent any misunderstanding arising. So far as the department was aware, every person who had acted upon the information contained in the circular had obtained passages at the reduced rate specified therein and quoted above.

In expressing dissatisfaction with the answer of the Minister, Mr Aitken said that the credit of the colony was seriously at stake, although there were only a few pounds involved. Promises had been made by one Government department and were not being fulfilled by another department—the department that should pay out the money promised to be refunded. He had gone to the department, and was told that there was no appropriation by which the money could be paid altlioxigh the department -which had issued the circular admitted that the money was due. He did not know anything that would gofurther towards stopping that immigration to the colony which the Ministry desired. After the discussion on the subjecthad been contributed to by Mr Major and Mr Dutliie, the Premier dealt further with the matter. He said he had no evidence that a breach of faith had been committed, nor had there been anything that could be construed into the slightest breach of faith. He was the Minister in charge of immigration, and if hon members would show him that tlx ere ha d been reasonable, compliance with the conditions, he would be the last man in the colony to repudiate the undertaking. The sum involved in the case was paltry. He would clear up the matter in twenty-four ’hour®. If it was found that the statements made were incorrect, he hoped they would be withdrawn.