BRITISH SETTLERS’ PLIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1933, Page 5

BRITISH SETTLERS’ PLIGHT

VICTORIA’S RESPONSIBILITY SUGGESTED BREACH OF FAITH CONFERENCE IN AUSTRALIA GREAT BRITAIN TO ATTEND By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, July 18. The Victorian Government was convening a conference of representatives of the Commonwealth, Victoria and Britain to consider the position of the British settlers in Victoria, Mr. J. H. Thomas, Dominions Secretary, told Mr. W. F. Strickland (Con.) in the House of Commons to-day. “The Commonwealth Government, under an agreement with Britain, undertook the full responsibility of seeing that all proper arrangements were made by Victoria,” Mr. Thomas said. "It is therefore the task of the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to take action to deal with, the situation disclosed by the Royal Commission’s report. I have authorised the British representatives to attend in order to afford all possible assistance.” Britain’s total expenditure under the 1922 Empire Settlement Act was £6,584,529, including £3,454,210 for Australia, of which £1,928,772 was devoted to assisted passages, £1,390,887 to land settlement development and £134,551 to training and after-care. The amount spent on land settlement included £216,975 in Victoria. Mr. J. Maxton (Lab.) asked: “Will the British representative at the conference be empowered to demand repayment from Victoria because the contract is unfulfilled?” “He will be empowered to act as the British Government representative and report accordingly,” Mr. Thomas replied.