IMMIGRATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3611, 29 May 1923, Page 47

IMMIGRATION

THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY. STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. WELLINGTON, Alay 16. I he Aliuister of Immigration (the Hon. W. Nosworthy) has issued the following statement regarding the Government immigration policy : The importance of a sound immigration and land settlement policy was apparent to the Government when it took office in 1912, with the result that a separate immigration department was created in 1913, and horn that- time onward (with the exception of line war period) there has been a steady flow of immigrants of the right class from the United Kingdom to the dominion, practically all of whom have been satisfactorily absorbed without disturbing the industrial conditions of the dominion. Early in 1914 a juvenile immigration policy (ages 16 to 20 years) and a land settlement scheme, were on the point of being brought into operation. In fact, under the former two parties of 50 each of farm boys were brought to the dominion. W hen war broke out immigration for the time being was suspended until after the repatriation of members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, with the exception of the facilities granted to enable wives, families, and fiancees of members of the above-mentioned force to proceed to their new homes. At this period the Government had already commenced its scheme of settling returned soldiers on the land, and therefore it was not possible to offer any special concessions to immigrants for land settlement. However, in 1920, the Government decided (o again commence a vigorous immigration policy, and with that end in view accepted immigrants under the Imperial Government’s Oversea Settlement Scheme, which provided for free passages for ex-members of the Imperial forces, both army and navy, together with their dependants. The Government also opened up its own nominated policy, by allowing any resident of the dominion the j privilege of nominating any person residing | in the United Kingdom, irrespective of relationship or occupation. This resulted in 10.107 immigrants arriving in the dominion ! during the period April 1. 1920. to March j 31, 1921, which constituted a record num- I ber since 1879 The majority of these people : were absorbed in the country districts, and have become a real live asset to the dominion. Unfortunately at the beginning of 1921 a grave financial and commercial outlook, which was universal, and really t.he aftermath of the war, made its presence felt in New Zealand. Therefore, the Government reluctantly decided that certain restrictions were necessary regarding the acceptance of immigrants under the Overseas Settlement scheme. This was the means of curtailing the number of arrivals, which otherwise could have been readily and satisfactorily absorbed. In 1922 the Imperial Government. placed on the Statutes an Act entitled the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, which authorised the Imperial Government to cooperate with the Government of any part of his Majesty’s dominions with a view to affording joint assistance to suitable persons in the L'nitecT Kingdom who intend to settle in any part of his Majesty's dominions. An agreed scheme under this j Act may be cither (a) a development or “ land settlement scheme or (b) a scheme I for facilitating the settlement in or migra- ! tion to any pari, of his Majesty’s oversea | dominions, by assistance witli pasages,

ini tin I allowance, special training, or otherwise For the reason; already stated there lias teen no opportunity for the Go\ernment to dotelop a spoy:.:! land settlement sc .lento for new arrivals. However, they f r ° eligible to take advi mag. of the privilev; under the Government Advances to Settlers Act In view < f the;, .- r< urnstances n has been rie I.Y i < r hold in anoyance for a further peii. d of 12 months 1.--’ question of entering in: -chemo um '°r in), but with regard to (!.- an agreement has been enforofi into between" the L’ vo , Government;. wTiT.li completely overshadows similar agreements made with other parts of the_ Empire, a; the following con.pai i-on will show : The cost of a passage for a man, his wife, and four childivn (ages between three and 12 years) to Canada is £72; to Australia £961 and A New Zealand £36, 'the Government is luliy alive to the importance of the question of immigration and its present policy, under which an average of 8000 souls per annum have been absorbed during t.ie last tnreo years proved to be tbo most beneficial to the dominion. Under trns policy provision is made whereby the nest class of settlers can be procured, primary and secondary industries catered for, and an individual resident of the dominion can secure his friends from the United Kingdom at the lowest fares and under the most advantageous conditions ever o_ttered to the people of New Zealand.