IMMIGRATION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19672, 14 December 1933, Page 8

IMMIGRATION

RESTRICTIONS TO REMAIN PERIOD TO BE TWO YEARS By Telegraph —Press Association WELLINGTON, December 13. Moving the second reading of the Immigration Restriction Amendment Bill in the House to-day, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates said that it provided for the continuance of the 1931 Act, which would otherwise have expired at the end of the present month. That had been passed in view of the economic depression for the purpose of restricting the immigration of persons who might become a charge upon the public. It had been hoped at that time that conditions would have improved by the end of this year and that the restrictions would no longer have been necessary, but although there were signs that the depression was gradually lifting it was considered advisable that the Act should be continued in force for another two years. Continuing, Mr Coates said that it had not been considered necessary to bring into operation section 2 of the 1931 Act. namely, the provision for making regulations prohibiting the landing in New Zealand of persons of any specified nationality or race or of any specified class or occupation, or limiting the number of any such persons that might land in New Zealand during any specified period. It was. however, desirable that the power to make such regulations should remain in force in case there might be need to use it during the continuance of the Act. It was still necessary for persons not of British birth and parent-age to obtain permits to enter New Zealand. Administration of Act. “In administering the regulations,” the Minister said, “it had been the general practice not to grant permits to applicants desirous of coming to New Zealand for the purpose of seeking work if it is considered probable that they will become a charge upon the unemployment funds or upon charitable organisations. Every discretion is. however, used to avoid undue restrictions on :he immigration of other persons. Persons born in New Zealand, bona fide tourists, commercial travellers and persons under definite contract of employment are admitted.” After quoting the statistics of arrivals and departures of persons of British birth and parentage during the last two years, Mr Coates said that the number of migrants between the various countries had been lessened in recent years owing to the prevailing economic conditions. It was anticipated, however, that as conditions improved, arrivals in New Zealand would again, as usual, exceed departures. Mr W. Nash (Lab., Hutt) asked the Minister if he could say how many immigrants had been assisted during the last three years. Mr Coates said he did not have the figures by him, but there were not many who had been assisted. Mr M. J. Savage, Leader of the Opposition, said that the Bill was very mild looking but it was very far-reach-ing. However, he supposed that the day would come when the restriction would be removed. The Bill was put through its remaining stages and passed.