IMMIGRANTS FOR DOMINION

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1929, Page 7

IMMIGRANTS FOR DOMINION

PURSUIT OF SCHEME IN HASTINGS

By Telegraph.—Press Association. . Hastings, Aug. 31. Interviewed on his return from England, Rear-Admiral Lawson, Havelock North, had many interesting things to say regarding his endeavours to formu-late-a system whereby suitable family immigrants might be attracted to the Dominion. '

His main contentions are that, besides bringing out settlers prepared to earn their living and willing by reason of economic necessity to try any experiment,'there is room for many heads of families with small fixed incomes to whom New-Zealand would- appeal as a place to educate and settle with their children.

. Admiral Lawson considers that representative centres of men and women should be formed to supply information, to meet newcomers, and help, but not financially, on their arrival.

When in London Admiral Lawson interviewed Mr. T. JR. Bavin, secretary of the Overseas Settlement Committee, who commended the idea, which had had some success in Canada. Admiral Lawson said that assisted passages were not contemplated, neither would there be overlapping with other organisations. The Overseas League at Home would put the committees in touch with suitable families, who would be met on arrival and advised on housing, schools, and openings for children. The whole idea was to link the Dominion more closely with the Mother Country. The scheme should be based on friendly and not financial help. It is intended to set up a committee in Hastings and the Mayor, Mr. G. H. Roach, gives his approval and is willing to act as chairman.