The Star. TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1921. R.S.A. AND IMMIGRATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16452, 14 June 1921, Page 6

The Star. TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1921. R.S.A. AND IMMIGRATION.

The discussion which took place at tho Dominion Conference of the Returned Soldiers’ Association regarding immigration was of very great interest. It showed that considerable diversity of opinion existed in connection with some important aspects of the question. It might have been ovpeeted that the conference would declare whole-heartedly and unanimously in favour of tho prohibition of Asiatic immigration, on the grounds that the influx of Indians and Chinese constitutes a serious economic and moral menace to the country. The Conference- carried a resolution in favour of absolutely closing the door to Asiatics, but some of the most influential delegates were, by no means satisfied that the right thing had been done. That the « ocision of the conference reflected the opinion of tho public cannot De doubted. There is a strong sentiment, almost amounting to c. determination, to preserve the purity of the white race in New Zealand. The evils arising out of *he mixing of races in older countries have furnished sufficiently convincing object lessons, and no ore but a cranky Internationalist would like to see this country offering peimanent hospitality to coloured peopio. One of the R.S.A. delegates referred to the propriety of admitting Indians who were educated gentlemen, but it is hardly necessary to point out that it is not from that class that the immigrants are drawn. The hordes which leave India in search of a bettor land are supplied by the coolies and labourers, the great majority of whom are entirely illiterate. The immigrant of that sort confers no benefit whatever on the country in which he lands, but on the contrary ho assists to lower the average of both ihoralit.y and comfort. In deciding for absolute prohibition of Asiatic immigration tho Conference adopted a wise course, though it is unlikely that that objective will bo achieved for some time. The comparative failure of *he restrictive legislation at present in operation shows that more effective and possibly more subtle methods are needed. The Conference passed from tho consideration of the Asiatic immigrant to a discussion of the British inrmi’grant-w Tho subjects are in a sense closely related, and it was just as well that they should have been dealt with at the on© session. It is a recognised fact that tho best means of keeping out coloured races is to fill the vacant spaces with white people There is no coloured immigration problem in the Old World where Europe is densely populated by whites. It is towards the empty spaces in Australia that the black and yellow races are turning their eyes and thoughts. The coloured immigrant, however, is only a little less welcome than the whitp in certain quarters. We are glad to notice that Mr Leadley urged tho Conference to take a broad Imperial view of the question of white immigration, and not to oppose the extension of relief to the over-crowded masses in Great Britain. It is not unreasonable thee immigration should be suspended to some extent during a period of trad.* and financial depression, but if suitable n.cn and women are offering they should be secured. New Zealand wants to increase the number of her landholders, who will fill up the vacant spaces and increase the wealth and prosperity of the country. It is not a time to encourage the immigration of the industrial tradesman or unskilled labourer, because the labour market is fully stocked. Tho tide of immigration, however, should not bo completely stemmed, because it may refuse to flow I Again when circumstances are mote favourable. A policy of wise discrimi nation is the best on© for the present.