IMMIGRATION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12956, 15 January 1913, Page 7

IMMIGRATION.

AN ACTIVE POLICY

* (Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, last i,i,.ht. In the course of an interview at Dargayille, the Prime Minister gtvve sorto in^M-rpif i OM regarding the GovernniLiu o jjuiicy respecting immigration. "We decided," said the Premier, 'to give Hon. Mr Bell a free hand in the matter of immigration, more especial \ as it comes within the scope of -iii's functions as Minister for Internal Affairs. Formerly, the immigration was directed by the Minister for Lands, hut having that portfolio myself now, I find my hands sufficiently full without dealing with immigration." Mr Massey indicated that the Govern- \ ment intended to pursue an active im-j migration policy. Matters in this con-! nection had, he said, been somewhat slack during the last two or three years. He stated with satisfaction, 'however, that during the year just ended, hew Zealand had gained more by excess of arrivals over departures, by something like 10,000, than she had in the two preceding years. That, he agreed, was not saying a great deal, but nevertheless it waa a gratifying tendency. "This country," - said Mr Maasey, "should be gaining at least 25,000 people each year by immigration." As he spoke the Prime Minister was seated on the deck of a steamer proceeding up the expansive Wairoa River and with a comprehensive wave of the hand, ho remarked that all the non-productive lands of the Far 'North, should be settled with a farming population. Asked the source where the . Government intended to recruit immigration, the Premier replied, '.'ln England." He had been informed ' that t/he two batches of immigrants who had arrived during the past , two or three weeks to the number of 1100, were a sturdy lot and calculated to make hardy settlers. That was the proper type to secure, in farmers and domestics. "We mean to encourage men of the class, also suitable young people for domestic service, as much as possible," added Mr Massey. He further stated that the present High Commissioner was well informed in regard to the Governments desires in this matter, and under t/he enthusiastic direction of the Hon. Mr Bell, he anticipated good results. Speaking at a social tendered to him at Dargaville, Mr Massey said he bad just been advised that the total number of arrivals in : New Zealand during the year ending December 31 last was 44,660, as compared with 41,389 during 1911, and 35,769 during 1910. The departures from New Zealand Jast year totalled .35,733 (showing a net gain of 8927). In 1911, the departures were 37,189, a gain of 4200, and in 1910 the total departures were 32,261, leaving a gain of 34801