NEWCOMERS TO THE DOMINION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23830, 9 June 1939, Page 8

NEWCOMERS TO THE DOMINION

The arrival in New Zealand of persons of other than British nationality whose desire is to settle in this country has an aspect of interest apart from the general question of immigration, planned or otherwise. It possibly means the infiltration of the community, to an extent which, while relatively very slight, may yet be more pronounced at this time than perhaps at any other period reasonably within memory, with an element which can only be gradually assimilated by it. A description of some of the arrivals by steamer at Wellington this week differentiates them as nationals of half a dozen European countries. Existing conditions in Europe would mainly account, no doubt, for such evidence of the continuation of a movement of the results of which evidence has been observable even in this outlying part of the Empire for some time past. The European refugee question has thrust itself upon the attention of a good many countries. So far as it has touched New Zealand no actual problem has been created. It is of a certain interest to speculate upon the absorption of such arrivals as Poles and Czechs, Germans, Austrians and others by this community. These people, apart from such material resources as they may have at their command —and of course the more provision of that kind they have the better—bring their professions and their attainments with them. A doctor of laws from Vienna, a Czech engineer versed in four languages, a Viennese manufacturer, an engineer from Germany, a Czech grounded in five languages including English—these newcomers must bring in their degree something in the nature of a new leaven into a community

probably as homogeneous as any in the British Empire in respect of its population. Opinions may differ as to whether they are to be welcomed or not on that account. But it should not be necessary to take any narrow view in that connection. So far as these newcomers bring with them their culture it may well be that they introduce an element which can assimilate with advantage with that which is most characteristic of this Dominion. A community which lives greatly unto itself may be in some danger of arresting its own development, and running the risk of becoming too self-satisfied with its own educational or other standards. It must be good for this community that it should have the opportunity of assimilating elements from other parts of the British Empire which will be conducive to its enlightened growth and the liberality of its outlook. On the same reasoning to a limited degree the nationals of other lands who are attracted to these shores may find a useful place in a country which is as yet but sparsely populated, and may even be able to make their own particular contribution to its culture. The British Empire itself is the outstanding source from which argument from this point of view would find reinforcement.