BISHOP OF LONDON

Southland Times, Issue 20174, 10 May 1927, Page 7

BISHOP OF LONDON

RETURN FROM WORLD TOUR. London, May 8. The Bishop of London, interviewed on his return from his world tour, said immigration was a difficult question. It was true some of our people did not feel very comfortable in Australia. It was true too that Australians referred to British settlers as “pommies.” Then there were Bolshevistic agitators who declared they did not want interference from an island 12,000 miles away but they were not representative Australians as a whole. There was no fear that Australia would become Americanised or wish to break away from the Empire. At the same time we must be careful not to rub Australians the wrong way. They had their difficulties as we had ours. We must respect their susceptibilities. Proceeding the Bishop said: “Personally I chaffed them about the word pommies and reminded them that they were nearly all pommies or descendants of pommies. They took my remarks in good part. Then I stated that if they want a white Australia they must have white settlers or someone else may step in. Already there are Italians, Germans, Greeks and others and it would be a dog-in-the-manger policy to keep them out but the predominant portion of the population must want British. lam sure if we can clear away misunderstanding we shall come to a happy solution of the immigration problem.” Referring to Singapore naval base the bishop said: “If we are to keep the Empire together, particularly to keep Australia and New Zealand, we must have this big base, I did not find the Japanese upset about it.” He concluded: “I return more than ever convinced that Christianity is the greatest force for good in the world to-day. I was greatly impressed by church attendances in Australia, New Zealand and America despite alluring counter-attractions.”—A. and N.Z.