THE RIGHT TYPE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12204, 31 July 1925, Page 11

THE RIGHT TYPE

FARMERS AND IMMIGRATION

FRAMING A CO-OPERATIVE SCHEME THE HOUSE IN ORDER The question of immigration was discussed by the Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union when it was decided to cooperate with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in its endeavours to have a scheme evolved. In speaking of this matter, Dr. W. A. Chappie, who had previously discoursed upon this subjeot, said New Zealand never had such a glorious opP°rtumt.V of rapid progress as she has at the present day. Slow progress was aJI right in its way, but he wished to SI P some of the sweets of rapid progress. . The country was In danger of getting more men than she was prepared to absorb. Preparations must bo laid with great care, and oil, —and not gravel—should be thrown into the machinery. Men and capital were required. A voice: And women too. Dr. Chappie: Oh, if the men come out the women will follow automatically. (Laughter). The speaker devoted a few minutes to a referenoe to the national debt of Britain as compared with that of the Dominion. In spite of the multiplication by eleven times of England’s debt, the people still clothed themselves in fine linen and fared sumptuously. Throughout the country he saw development starved and hampered through lack of capital. The money was at Home to be called upon by the Dominion if she required it. Britain wished to assist in ridding herself of her great burden, if the Dominion were only sufficiently courageous to Increase its national debt and borrow sufficient money to provide for. a comprehensive scheme. The speaker detailed his idea of a scheme, an outline of rwhich he gave at the Chamber of Commerce reoently, and appealed to the farmers to do their part. MARKETS AND IMMIGRANTS

Sir Thomas MacKenzie, also had a few Words to say on the question of immigration, and quickly turned to hia. favourite subject—-marketing. In a steady going country like New Zealand an extensive policy of borrowing such as advocated by Dr. Chappie, worild pot be the best thing for its Stability, and he advocated rather a more even progression towards the desirable end of populating the country. The speaker read extracts from the soheme suggested by the president ir. hia annual address, and dealt briefly with each clause. Just as New Zealand valued its produce which was sent to the Old Country, so should they value the type of people who were brought into the country from oversets. If the Government would set aside certain areas of land for those who wished to retire, quite a large number of people would be persuaded to' migrate to these shores, for many, were compelled to leave on account of the increased cost of living and the high cost of education for the children; . The people were well-bred, and industrious, and only sought an opportunity.-, to make. .for. themaelves a, comfortable home. The establishment of farm schools was advocated by the speaker, who said the majority of people who came here were quite unfit to go straight on to the land. If only three months’ training, were given them before leaving the Old Country, it would assist tbe general scheme to a large extent. Certainly, the present system required alteration, for there was not the close scrutiny that there Should be on the nominated migrants. He also advocated the holding of plans of New Zealand properties in the offioe of the High Commissioner at Home, and by a system of coding, the sales of, land transacted there could easily he conveyed to the Dominion. -Upon the speedier steamship communication, with the Old Country, Sir Thomas touched for a moment, and reiterated his previous announcement that the shipping companies were prepared, to put on eight ships to convey in 30 days the produce from New Zealand to England. In 18 months New Zealand could have this assured.

Sir Edward Newman, the chairman of trustees of the fund controlling Fleck House Estate in the Rangitikei district, devoted a few minutes to ail explanation as to the operations of the Sheepowners’ Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen’s Fund, which conducted the institution. It was desired that the boys there being trained should .receive a thorough grounding in the various branches of farming. Idleness was not tolerated, and the boys were usually pleased to go to bed at nights. It was later hoped to extend the scheme to the girl orphans of the sailors who lost their lives during the war. • A resolution aiming at a system of immigration for New Zealand was forwarded by, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce/, the letter urging an early conference of every institution interested to- discuss the, matter, and bring it before the Government. The president agreed with the suggestion. „ , , ~ Mr Wilson proposed that tihe recommendations embodied in tbe letter be endorsed. Mr Bowman seconded. After discussion it was agreed to cooperate with the chamber, and the incoming advisory hors’d was deputed to meet that body. .