IMMIGRATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11226, 3 June 1922, Page 8

IMMIGRATION

CHARGES REFUTED

ONLY FIT MEN SENT TO AUSTRALIA. BRITISH FARMERS PROTEST. Bv Telegraph.—Press Asstf.—Copyright Australian' and Y.Z. Cable Association. \ LONDON, June 1. Mr Percy Hunter, Australian Director of Migration and Settlement, in a consultation with Sir James Mitchell, Premier of Western Australia, discussed the oomplaint of the New Settlers’ League about the physical disabilities of the immigrants. Mr Hunter declares that Australia is receiving the finest body of men who ever migrated. Probably a few of indifferent physique slip through the meshes of the net, but it is impossible to draw them tighter without practically killing emigration. The regulations regarding health, stamina, and character of candidates are the moat rigorous ever imposed, and it is easier to enlist in the British Army than to emigrate to Australia. He is despatching only single men, except nominees. The National Farmers’ Union has memorialised the Government, protesting against the depletion of the countryside, where the shortage of farm hands is already acute. It says that the Australian and Canadian immigration policies are calculated to benefit the Dominions at the expense of British agriculture, and that surplus population exists only in tbe cities and towns, from which the jDominions do not aooept emigrants. The memorialists declare that British agriculture is losing the youngest and most enterprising and skilful landworkers, and British food production must decline in consequence. INDIAN ARMY OFFICERS WILL BE WELCOMED IN AUSTRALIA. _ MELBOURNE, June 2. A letter has been received from General Rawlinson, stating that two thousand young officers in the Indian Army will shortly be retired, and asking for information regarding the suitability of Australia and -the prospects for their settlement. Each officer, on retiring, will receive from £IOOO to £IOO as compensation. Mr W. M. Hughes has replied offering to send a representative to India to give full information regarding Australian conditions. At General Rawlinson’e suggestion, Mr Hughes is now obtaining from the State Premiers particulars of the land available and the terms of settlement. Mr Hughes states that a hearty welcome will be extended to these officers, and he will consider it fortunate if Australia can obtain them as settlers.