SCHOOLBOYS MAKE DESIRABLE SETTLERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17864, 4 June 1926, Page 15

SCHOOLBOYS MAKE DESIRABLE SETTLERS.

MINISTER TELLS OF SUCCESS OF NEW MIGRATION POLICY. (Special to the "Star.") WELLINGTON, June 3. “Migration is the adventure of youth, and in every immigration system the ..uccessful absorption of juvenile migrants, those whose ages range from fourteen to eighteen years, is a question of paramount, moment It is generally recognised that the English public and secondary schoolboys make a highly desirable type of settler, and it is pleasing to note that up to the present the system initiated in 1924 gives indications that it is going to prove a successful expansion of the Government's immigration policy.” In those words the Minister of Immigration, (the Hon W. Nosworthy), in an interview to-day with a “Star” representative, expressed himself regarding the progress of the English public schoolboys immigration scheme. “As far as the British Empire is concerned.’' said the Minister, “the authorities have always laid particular stress on the great importance of encouraging the settlement in the dominions of the right stock between the ages mentioned, principally because of their peculiar adaptability to the changes in habit and circumstances involved in migration from the Homeland to countries oversea. An estimate given in 1923 showed that approximately 200.000 “juveniles” were in search of permanent employment in Great Britain. When trade was good it was found that unemployment amongst juveniles was negligible, but there always remained a substantial batch who could receive only temporary or unsatisfactory work. In another category still, are those who, by nature, are more suitable for life in the dominions than the restricted existence offered by a country which is principally industrial, and very overcrowded. The result was that fine stock was being wasted." “New Zealand as the figures will proceeded the Minister,” has done remarkably well in her efforts to relieve the Mother Country of some of her surplus population burdens. Since January, 1920, under the scheme of Government assisted immigration, no fewer than 50,000 migrants have been absorbed in New Zealand, and on a population basis this record compares more than favourably with what the other dominions have carried out. At the present time our quota is at the rate of 100 a month. In 1924, however, a further step was taken, and it was a step which increased the Dominion’s responsibilities. When negotiations were opened up for the initiation of a scheme of more extensive State-aided juvenile immigration, both the Imperial and Dominion Governments were primarily faced with the necessity of overcoming the natural parental fear for the welfare of the migrants after their arrival and settlement overseas. That difficulty was soon eliminated, and the undertaking was launched. Up to the present time in round figures approximately 820 “juveniles” have found their way to New Zealand. This total comprises 295 public schoolboys, 218 boys brought out under Salvation Army supervision, 176 Flock House boys. 12 brought out under the auspices of the Church of England authorities, and the twelve Flock House girls. “As &ar as the public schoolboys’ scheme is concerned,” proceeded Mr Nosworthy, "it has been attended in the main by the anticipated success. This is not surprising when it is remembered that these boys have had excellent educational training in England and bid fair to become the best type of settler one could wish for. There can be no doubt, however, that the continued success of this excellent scheme must largely depend on the support and co-operation accorded it by the landholders generally. There are probably some farms where perhaps more than one boy could be usefully employed, and in this way the companionsh.p. which is so large a factor in the happiness and contentment of a boy away from home, would be ensured, and consequently a greater incentive would be created for the boys at Home to undertake the venture. “ The Department,” concluded the Minister, “is confident that the future development of so fine a scheme will not be endangered by any lack of interest and co-operation on the part of the farmer for whose benefit it was inaugurated.”