ALIENS IN N.Z.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17567, 18 June 1925, Page 10

ALIENS IN N.Z.

OVER 5000 ASIATICS. . Per Press Association. DUNEDIN June 16. The question of alien immigration has for some time been before the council of the Dunedin Chamber of C ommerce. It arose when the Southern ( ross League, Auckland, wrote soliciting support to its objection to tht> entry of immigrants of Teutonic stock. It was stated that there were 5000 odd Asiatics in the Dominion. Last night there was considered another letter from the Southern Cross League. It read: •‘The Auckland Customs Department is very reticent in giving information as to the number of alien ini-migrants, and requested us :.o apply to Wellington. In Wellington the matter has got mixed up between the Customs, Immigration and Marine Departments, showing a lack of bust ness not to their credit.” In the meantime the chamber had received the desired information from the Wellington Customs Department. It showed that the number of immigrants of the ( hinese, Indian and Svrian races was: 1922, 173; 1923, 140;' 1924, 154. T he number from European countries was: 1922, 240; 1923, 245; 1924, 717. The countries represented were: France, Netherlands, Denmark, Jugoslavia! United States, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Italy, Finland, Greece, Russia. Sweden, Belgium. The most striking increase is that of the Jugo-Slavs. In 1922 there were 23 in 1923 79, and in 192-1 417. It is #nentioned. too, that Jugo-Slavia is fioing all in its power to build up <rade with Australasia. Also received last night was a letter from Mr W. B. Steel, secretary of the Otago Expansion League. lie wrote: "I am instructed to inform you that, while the policy of the league is in favour of British settlers for British lands, and while prepared to welcome European people of Teutonic stock, we are decidedly opposed to the influx of Asiatics * and of ‘lesser breeds without the law.’ ” The letters were received, it being stated that the question had already Been referred to the Associated Chambers of Commerce.