THE NEED OF IMMIGRATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15823, 23 July 1913, Page 6

THE NEED OF IMMIGRATION.

ro THE EDITOR. ftißj—Referring to my last letter, ditod the l'ft-h inst., the reason for the influx of population into Canada for the lust three wars is that the vast resources of tho countrv have compelled her Government to carrv 'on a vigoious immigration policy, consistent with the energetic enterprise ut the Government and people. The people of Canada are well aware that bv attracting imininration they are reducing the national debt per head of the whole population. Moreover, the industry of the people enables the Government to raise, siillicieiit money to carry forward all public works and to give employment to all classes of workers; and eventually that dominion must become a powerful and wealthy community. New ZoalantL cannot, lor many years, keep pace with Canada, m spite of climatic conditions and Government-run railways and roada. The selector in Canada knows exactly whore he is to be located under practically free settlement, and tins conilition satisfies the land hunger, and Crown land is being rapidly disposed of to the welfare of that great dominion. Cannot New Zealand, with a far superior climate, throw oil her narrow-mindocliiess, and endeavour to arrive at some scheme to increase her population? Immigration dribbles into this dominion, hut those who arrive migrate again as fast as they come in, leaving the _ population stagnant and without stimulation J may say, however, that th'e majority of the people are looking forward to the Massey Government to alter the extravagant propensities of the self-named Liberal. Government. The Ward Government was especially extravagant. Did it not pledge the- country to present a Dreadnought to the Imperial Government, and also to present a second, if this should be required. Now, Mr Massey lias informed the public that'the military system will cost the country this year not lees a sum than £750,000, and next year probably £1,000,000. Well, Sir, we must tako it for granted that militarism will practically cost, when all charges are paid, no loss a sum than £3,000,00u, or otjual to £3 .per head of the population. If this be correct, are we not kinder to the Imperial Government than we are to ourselves? If the Ward Government, instead of pelting the Imperial Government with £2,000,000 for war purposes, had made a present of £1,000,000 and had placed £1,000,000 on the Estimates for immigration, this latter amount would have assisted tliousands _ of good men to our shores, thereby reducing Hie heavy indebtedness of the country, tliich at the present time amounts to no less a sum than £90,000,000 or £90 per head of the inhabitant?. Is this liberal ,or progressive'.' 1 would name it tyranny. Our Koform Government is .still to bo tried, but I trust that it will bo supportod in all useful measures for the general good of the whole community, with a strong desire to legislate for the many, and not for the few. "i have strong confidence in the ltcforin party, as I believe it is generally composed of strong men. I am, etc., \Y. &TJUCUIK,