EMIGRATION AND COMPLAINTS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16747, 31 May 1922, Page 8

EMIGRATION AND COMPLAINTS

UNWILLING AND UNFIT.

ALLEGATIONS DENIED.

iv Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 31, 1 p.m.)

LONDON, May 30. Emigration officials, replying to Press ibles Ironi Australia alleging that recent batches of immigrants included icopic physically! unlit, and that many ivere unwilling to become country workers, state that the allegations are either exaggerated or they- relate to a small percentage of cases which the most rigorous regulations are unable to j entirely eliminate. The cables special- j l v mention West Australia, regarding j which the officials point out that the J regulations relating to that State are i stricter than those relating to other i states. West. Australia excludes all ap- j plicants classified as having suffered from war disabilities, while other states j will accept them. No applicant is ac- j cepted for West Australia without reference to an official specially representing West Australia on the staff of Australia House. He has power to veto any application. Nevertheless. West Australia \s the only state which has complained since the department was established. Usually 90 p?r cent of the applications are rejected, and the balance of lO per cent is further reduced under rigorous medical inspection, first by British doctors and second by trie departmental medical officer. The medical standard is more severe than ’t is for the army.

With reference to immigrants being jnwilling to become country workers .he officials point out that- every immigrant signs a declaration that he is prepared to undertake country workHe must furnish documentary proofs that he possesses land and working [ierien^e. Mr J. Mitchell (Premier of /West Australia) has received a cable froM the New Settlers’ Dengue at Perth leging that Tatesfc batches of immigrants are unsatisfactory and below the usual standard. He intends making inquiries. I STRICTER SUPERVISION. > By Tel*«rraph—Pre*« Association —-Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Assoclation. (Reoeired May 31. 12.36 p in.). PERTH, May 81. The new settlers’ branch of the Countrymen’s Association is sending a message to Mr J. Mitchell, (the Premier, who is in London) stating that the latest batches of immigrants are unsatisfactory and far below the usual standard. The message stresses the urgent need for stricter supervision. It is stated that some are physically unsuitable, while others are unwilling to adopt the country life.