ATTRACTING IMMIGRANTS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9865, 6 October 1903, Page 4

ATTRACTING IMMIGRANTS.

Several questions on the order paper the other day dealt with advertisements appearing m some of the English newspapers m regard to land available for' settlement m New Zealand. One of these advertisements notified "that • there are 2,000,000 acres of first-class land m this colony open for settlement by farmers on kase m perpetuity or freeholds, and that they offer to advance money for the- erection of houses, etc. ; also, that such immigrants will 'be carried at reduced fores by any of the Sbaw-Savill or New Zealand Slapping Companies' steamers." In reply to -Mr Rutherford, the Premier stated that these advertisements were similar to those appearing m the papers of this colony. He could not understand, however, the statements regarding 2,000,000 acres of firsL-class land being available, and he would inquire into it. As to the erection of houses, people coming here from the Old Country liad open to them the san'ie conditions that were offered to the residents of this colony. Mr Hogg wanted to know "where this fine dairying njid graingrowing land is to be found, and when it will be available, so that landless New Zealanders may have a chance of securing homes for themselves and their families." To his certain knowledge, there were many residents of New Zealand, workers, who preferred the independence of country life, with all its discomforts, to the high rents and insecurity of employment that prevailed m the towns. There were intending settlers complaining that they could not get land, and if we were unable to supply the demands of good eligible settlers, who wanted to get into the", country, so that -they might no longer be dependent upon private employers, why should we offer inducements to others? The Premier said there was nothing incorrect m the advertisements. Suitable British immigrants would be welcome. The proposals with reference, to the arrangement made with the shipping companies for carrying people from England to this colony at reduced fares would be submitted to the House. He considered that the money m advertising this colony m England was well spent. The influx of good immicjrants from. Home would not affect our labor market-. He believed that the more people we had on the land the better it "would be for the workers m the towns.

Information has reached the colony (says the OtaßO Daily Times) that some 200 tourists from Canada, who have chartered two special steamers to convey them on. a tour round the British colonies, will probably arrive m New Zealand early next year. Theif movements are at present uncertain, but they are expected m Australia m- November. Should the party visit New Zealand, as m. all probability it will 1 , ample opportunity will be afforded the Canadians of inspecting; the varied and, m. many respects, absolutely unique aceineay of both the North and South Islands, and ; , needless to say, a warm welcome will bo extended to them by brother colonials.