IMMIGRATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8329, 15 January 1913, Page 10

IMMIGRATION

ACTIVE POLICY TO BE PURSUED. Special to the “Times.” AUCKLAND, January 14. In the course of an interview at Dargaville the Prime Minister gave some information regarding the Government’s policy respecting immigration. “We decided,” said Mr Massey, “to give Mr 801 l a free hand in the matter of immigration, more especially as it comes within the scope of his functions as Minister of Internal Affairs. Formerly the Immigration Department was directed by the Minister of Lands, but having that portfolio myself now I find my hands sufficiently frill without dealing with immigration.” . Mr ' Massey indicated that the Government intended to pursue an active immigration policy. Matters in this connection had, he said, been somewhat slack during the last two or three years. He stated with satisfaction, however, that during the year just.ended New Zealand ’ had gained more by excess of arrivals over departures--something like 10,000 —than she had in the two preceding years. 1 That, he agreed, was not saying a great deal; nevertheless it was a gratifying tendency. WHAT WE SHOULD GAIN. “This country,” said Mr Massey, “should be gaining at least 25,000 people each year by immigration.” As he spoke the Prime Minister was seated on the. deck of a steamer proceeding up the expansive Wairba river ; and. with a comprehensive wave of his hand he remarked that all the non-produc-tive lands of the Far North should be settled with a farming population. Asked the source whence the Government intended to recruit immigrants, the Premier replied: “In England.” He had been informed that the two batches of immigrants who had arrived during the past two or three weeks, to the number of about 1100, were a sturdy lot, and calculated to make hardy settlers. That was the proper type to secure. FARMERS AND DOMESTICS. “We mean to encourage men of the farming class; also suitable young people for domestic service, as much as possible,” said Mr Massey. Ho further remarked that the present High Commissioner was well informed in regard to the Government’s desires in this matter, and under the enthusiastic direction of the Hon. Mr Bell he anticipated good results. At last night’s “social” at Dargaville Mr Massey said he had just been advised that the total number of arrivals in New Zealand during the twelve months ended December 31st last was 44,660, as compared with 41,389 during 1911, and 35,769 during 1910. The departures from New Zealand last year totalled 35,783 (showing a net gain of 8927); in 1911 the departures were 37,189 (a gain of 4200); and in 1910 32,261 (leavmg a gain of 3408).