EMIGRATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16353, 16 February 1921, Page 4

EMIGRATION.

OVERSEAS SETTLEMENT COM M ITT EE. By Telegraph—Frees A£SCui*fc:on—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON. February 14. The annual report of the Overseas Settlement Committee says that the 'Cur witnessed an improvement m tho shipping situation, but special roeasroutes to meet the situation. * Complaints regarding third class accommodation are partly attributable to mauy who formerly travelled in a superior class, but who now are. compelled to travel third, owing to the increase in passenger rates, and partly due to the fact that passengers are less prepared than heretofore to lace tliq discomforts of the cheapest ocean travel. There are still a considerable number of exservice men unemployed in Britain. A policy of settlement and development which will stimulate production overseas is a measure which deserved consideration, though the relief to exservice men will largely bo indirect. “It must be remembered,” continues tho report, “ that industrial conditions arc abnormal, not only . in Britain but in the Dominions. It is clearly impossible for I lie self-govern-ing Dominions to receive tho unemployed of the Mother Country, even if they are ex-service men, unless those Governments are satisfied that the men will find suitable employment overseas. In certain quarters overseas there is still a tendency to ignore tho vital importance of careful selection, and a tendency to approach the matter too much with the object of meeting immediate labour requirements, and too little regard for the well-being of tho settlers. No policy of Empire can be successful unless settlers from the Mother Country receive a cordial welcome overseas and settlers arc placed on the land under an organised system of grants.” Free passages for ex-service men and women worked well and will be. extended further. During the year the number of applicants for free jiassages was 64,043, covering 130.000 persons, of whom 37.000 received free passages, ; 5429 men and 1051. women going to Australia and 3547 men and 398 women I to New Zealand. The total oomir.it- | merits to date amount to £279,000. | Tho total sum at. the disposal of the j committee is £375,000. Owing to the war the excess of le- ‘ males in the United Kingdom, between 1 th e 'ages of fifteen and forty-fire is j 1.250,000, compared with 566,000 in 1911. The committee strongly favours ! encouragement of settlement of women 1 overseas by State aid. Many women I who are not prepared to take up | domestic service In the United Kingdom are prepared to go overseas, where their services may lead to happier and fuller conditions of .life than in the Mother Country. Overseas settlement of poor-law and other suitable children would be highly beneficial. If the West Australian experiment with Dr Barnardo boys is successful it is hoped that similar schemes will be developed elsewhere in Australia and New Zealand.