EMPIRE MIGRATION

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11653, 18 October 1923, Page 6

EMPIRE MIGRATION

SOME RECENT CRITICISM UNDER-SECRETARY FOR IMMIGRATION EXPLAINS. SOME MISAPPREHENSIONS. The report of the immigration, committee of tiie Wellington Chamber of Commerce which was presented to a meeting of the Council of the Chamber, made reference to the recent visit of members of the British Overseas Delegation to the Dominion, and also includes some criticism of the present immigration policy of New Zealand. In order to correct some wrong impressions which may he formed from the reading of that report, Mr H. D. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Immigration, stated to a “Times” reporter yesterday that it was as well that the exact position in regard to the visit of the Empire Overseas Delegation to the Dominion should be known. “Tho committee’s report,” remarked Mr Thompson, “amongst other things, comments on the duration of the visit of the delegation. It must be borne in mind that the delegation came to Australia at the invitation of the Commonwealth Government for the express purpose of inspecting the initiation of the land settlement schemes and the arrangements which had been entered into between the different Australian States and the Imperial Government under the Empire Settlement Act. As New Zealand hod definitely postponed entering into any agreement under this heading, there was Teally no need for the delegation to visit the Dominion, but having come so far, the members cf the delegation expressed a wish to come to New Zealand in order to asoertnin what field the Dominion offered for the Imperial migrant, and as to what class of immigrant could be readily absorbed. It will thus be seen that the important part of their mission was in the Commonwealth, and not in New Zealand. WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE, “The committee also comments on the absence of a Government land settlement policy. As a matter of fact, during the past three yeans the Dominion Government has done more in the way of land settlement probably than any other part of the Empire, at any rate, in proportion to our population and the area of land available. The Government has already expended twentyseven millions on tho settlement on the land of our own New Zealand soldiers. Owing to the enormous expenditure during the past three years, and also owing to tho two lean years which the Dominion has just experienced, it was considered necessary to call a halt for a limited period. “Ah to tho criticism of the failure to take immediate advantage of a loan for land settlement policy, it may be stated that a thorough investigation was made of the position at the time of the passing of the Empire Settlement Act, and a decision was come to on the lines al-

ready indicated. That this was a wise decision appears to bo borne out by the fact that the New South Wales Cabinet, after thoroughly investigating tho whole scheme, through a Special Committee, has come to thfe unanimous decision that, instead of the carrying out of their policy, costing six millions, ns originally stated, it .will cost from 19 to 24 millions. This statement if will probably be admitted, more than justifies tho decision come to by the Dominion authorities. A CORRECTION. “As to the cable message from Sydney, quoted in the committee’s report, alleging that a statement had been made by the delegation that the ‘prospects in Now Zealand for immigrants is poor —in fact, that there are no prospects at all.’ tho statement, if correctly reported, i? that of Mr J. Wignall, the Labour M.P., for the other members of the delegation were not in Sydney at the time the cable message was sent. SATISFACTORY RESULTS. “As to the extent of British migration to the Dominion, New Zealand to-day is absorbing a greater number of migrants in comparison with her population than any other part of the Empire. Twenty-five thousand persons have arrived from the United Kingdom during the past three yeans, and have been settled in this country, without disturbing the industrial conditions. All of these people have been brought out under the Government nominated system, which provides for housing and employment upon arrival.” SETTLING OUR SOLDIERS. Mr Thomson pointed out that the Minister had already explained that the present policy of the Government decided toward the end of 1921, was to absorb from the United Kingdom 10,000 souls annually for five years, to he composed chiefly of nominated migrants, including domestic servants, the balance to comprise applied farm labourers, skilled artisans, and domestics. Assisted passages are given_ for nominated immigrants. The New Zealand residents nominating such persons undertake to find employment for them, and that provision will lie made for maintenance after arrival. Assisted passages are available only to those persons who are British by uirth and parentage; nomination is not confined to friends or relatives of nominees. Employers and social institutions may nominate specific persons or groups. A number of employers axe reported tc have taken advantage of this provision. Bona fide general servants, cooks, housemaids, parlourmaids, waitresses, laundresses, and nursemaids between the ages of 18 and 40 years may be nominated for free passages, under oeitaiu approved conditions. In tho case of those migrants who have come out under the “applied” scheme (not nominated) the department arranges accommodation, and takes steps to secure early employment. No great difficulty "has been experienced in tho matter of obtaining employment to suit migrants; of course, some have had to accept a change in occupation temporarily. It is understood that in due time an agreement under the Empire Settlement Act may be made. In the meantime. as is well known, special attention is being devoted to the settlement of the ex-service men of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.