GENERAL BOOTH'S IMMIGRANTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 27

GENERAL BOOTH'S IMMIGRANTS.

LONDON, September 26

Mr Taverner, Agent-general for Victoria, has suggested that General Booth's best way to attain his ends would be the formation of a Salvationist colony on the banks of the River Murray, where irrigable land is available suitable for fruit-growing and poultry-raising. General Booth urges tbe public authorities tinder the power given by the Workmen's Unemployed Act to raise a fund for emigration. September 28. General Booth and Mr James, the Agentgeneral for Western Australia, have discussed the principle of emigration, and General Booth has arranged to submit a modified scheme applicable to Western Australia.

September 29.

A Salvation Army Commissioner intends sailing for Australia to discuss with MrDeakin and the State Premiers General Booth's colonisation scheme, which is distinct from the scheme for the despatch of emigrants. Tha latter will work for wages for a time, as the preparation of homesteads and lands would necessitate a long wait. The first batch of emigrants is 'now ready.

October 2.

Mr Jesse Collings, in a letter fo The Times, declares that General Booth's scheme for wholesale and assisted emigration of 6trong, healthy, industrious ' workers is an appalling national danger. If the Government assists in wholesale deportation its action will be little short ; of criminal. Bramwell Booth replied that the Army was not sending to Australia people, who were in comfortable circumstances, but only unemployed, some of whom were suffering from actual want. SYDNEY, October 2.

Sir W. J. Lyne, speaking at Albury, opposed General Booth's scheme. He added that as a Minister he must pull with his colleagues in this matter, but he was not prepared to leave the Cabinet just yet.