IMMIGRATION QUESTION

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11685, 24 November 1923, Page 13

IMMIGRATION QUESTION

CHURCH AS SELECTORS.

PROVISION FOR SPIRITUAL WELFARE.

Par Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, November 23. The question of immigration and the Presbyterian Church as a channel through which immigrants could come to the Dominion was mentioned at the session of tlie Presbyterian General Assembly to-day. The matter was brought up by the Rev. W. J. Comrie, who moved: ‘ ‘That in view of the large number of immigrants coming to our shores and! the importance of wise influence being exercised and service given in connection with their selection,' transport and settlement, presbyteries he recommended to set up committees to deal with these matters, and that the Assembly appoint a committee to keep in with other organisations which are dealing with these matters.” The Ilev. Comrie stated the Government had made all arrangements for transportation of immigrants, but it had not made provision for their spiritual welfare. Other organisations were taking the matter up, but the Church had interests in the subject which other organisations had not. It would perhaps bo advisable to cooperate with the Church at Home in the selection of immigrants, and then these men would come out here with the advantage of nomination. If this could be done, one of the largo factories could make a request for, say, fifty hands through the Church, and these would be chosen by tho Church at Home.

Tho Rev. J. A. Mackenzie (Petone) stated that at Petone such a project had already been started. This was in connection with the case where several mill hands were required,’ and the Presbyterian Church had an-anged to secure six of tho men required. These would be chosen by the Ptesbyterian ministers in Scotland. The motion was carried.