NEW ZEALAND V. AUSTRALIA.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 5, Issue 607, 7 December 1883, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND V. AUSTRALIA.

At the present time, when all over the world there appears to be a pretty general struggle for existence, it is not surprising that colonists both here and in other portions of the British Empire should ask themselves the question whether or not their selection has been a happy one, and if not, whether any way of improving their condition lies before them. Now, as birds generally find their way to the best orchards, and cattle to tho best pastures, that is if left to their own devices, so it also happens that as a rule the bulk of free migration sets in towards the likeliest locale. This, at any rate, is almost invariably the case unless a gold or diamond rush sets in to upset the calculation. Under these circumstances, and with that idea in view, it is very interesting and possibly instructive to read and study a “ Return of the number of persons who arrived in New Zealand from Australia during the years ending 31st March, 1881, 1882, and 1883 ; and of the number who departed for Australia during the same periods.” Now, without wearying our readers unnecessarily by giving the whole of the figures, we may summarise them thus : there arrived in this colony from Victoria, 10,633 ; New South Wales, and Queensland, 7493 ; South and West Australia, 11; Tasmania, 1038 ; total, 19,175. In the three years named, there departed from this colony for Victoria, 9653 ; New South Wales and Queensland, 10,397 ; South and West Australia, 83; Tasmania, 912 ; total, 21,045. This shows that notwithstanding the undisputed facts that natural advantages are on our side, yet we have actually sent to the Australian colonies 1870 more persons than we have received from them. That this migration was not objectless may bo taken for granted; it is also pretty clearly proved by the fact that whereas 9653 departed from these shores for Victoria, the supporter of a protectionist policy, there were 10,397 who threw in their chances with the free trade and liberal colony of New South Wales. We think that this return has not received a tithe of the attention to which it is entitled, for it clearly reveals the fact that there is a

“screw loose somewhere,” and until that screw is adjusted, very little lasting good can come of the most careful system of immigration. People may be brought out, or may be induced to come out by tho representations of paid touts, but when thev do get here, if they are not reasonably satisfied, they will soon strive to move on. The question is, can a hard-work-ing man with a few hundred pounds capital do as well hero as in the Australian colonies ? If he can, why does he prefer to go there ? If he cannot, then why not? In the answer to that question is to be found tho solution of more than one of our knotty problems.