FLOW OF IMMIGRATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3831, 16 August 1927, Page 10

FLOW OF IMMIGRATION.

FIGURES FOR PAST YEAR. WELLINGTON. August 5. The immigration returns for the year which ended on March 31 last show that the total number of arrivals in the Dominion from the United Kingdom and Ireland was 14,943, comprising 8457 males and 6480 females. Of that number —the largest since 1880 —11,239 were assisted to New Zealand by the Imperial and Dominion Governments. These details are contained in the annual report of the Department of immigration, which was presented to Parliament to-day, and which affirms that the policy laid down in 1921 has been carried out in its entirety, the only variation being that for the past year it was found necessary to increase the annual quota from 10,000 to 13,500. Singularly enough, the cause of the increase was the same as that which caused the decrease the previous year-—congestion brought about by the shipping strike of 1925. So great was the congestion that at the beginning of 1926 some 4000 approved migrants awaited embarkation, and as at that time nominations were being received at the rate of 13,000 per annum it would be seen how necessary it was for the Government to increase the numbers to the maximum of 13.500 for the year ending March 31, 1927, it being considered that that quota could be absorbed without disturbing the economic or industrial conditions of the Dominion. Extra steamers had to make special trips, of which five were made, carrying in all 3022 migrants, and that number practically represented the increase on last year’s figures. Since the enactment of the Empire Settlement Act of 1922 New Zealand had received as contributions towards passage money grants totalling £328,510 and loans amounting to £11,215 from the Imperial Government. _ Migrants had received 8987, comprising 1044 individual loans, of which 507 had been fully paid off, 365 were being paid off, 13 had been written off, and instalments outstanding on the remaining 154 had not yet become due. “These figures,” the report contends, “show that the Government has availed itself of the provisions of the Act, and that the result of the repayments of these loans is an indication that these migrants have been satisfactorily absorbed.” The number of assisted immigrants showed an increase of 8 per cent, over the previous year; in fact, the total wa's tho highest since 1880. Of the number 57 per cent, were men, 30 per cent, women, and 33 per cent, were children. Nearly all had been readily and satisfactorily adsorbed. Farmers, farm labourers, and miners accounted for 14 per_ cent, of the men’s total. As they went direct to farms and mines, only 23 per cent, of the total number of immigrants came into competition for other occupations in the labour market, and as they were nominated migrants, positions awaited them on arrival in practically every case.

The report, after referring to the decision to restrict the flow of immigration during the winter months, places on record its appreciation of the manner in which the nominators have carried out their obligations.