PROBLEM OF EMPIRE MIGRATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 177, 28 July 1928, Page 7

PROBLEM OF EMPIRE MIGRATION

NEVER TACKLED, MR BRUCE DECLARES [ By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright ] [ Australian Press Assn. I SYDNEY, July 27. Mr S. M. Bruce (Federal Prime Min istcr) in an address at the Chambers of Commerce dinner, declared that British people should co-operate in the development of the Dominion, while the influx of migrants to Australia should be limited to the absorption powers of the Commonwealth. Mr Bruce hoped that Australia’s small population would receive assistance in carrying the growing interest burden. Britain was spending upwards of £50,000,000 upon doles. Surely it would be worth while spending small sums in interest towards the provision of useful avenues of employment for the men, whose morale under the present system was being undermined. Indeed, only a fraction of the £15,000,000 earmarked by the British Gov ernment five years ago for oversea? settlement, had been spent, which lack of understanding by the British Ministers and commercial men regarding the great possibilities and potentialities of Australia and the other Dominions.

SUGGESTION TO CAPITALISE DOLE JW3E2.... MIGRATION TO REDUCE BRITAIN’S UNEMPLOYMENT [ Australian Press Assn. 1 Received July 27, 8.30 p.m. LONDON, July 27. “Migration within the Empire is undoubtedly factor of prime importune in the mitigations of unemployment,” said Sir Donald MacLcan, referring to the Industrial Transference Board’s report in a speech at Cornwall. “Migration must not bo compulsory,” he said, “but clearly thousands

of our fellow-citizens, young, fit and adventurous, arc eager to migrate. Speaking frankly, unnecessary difficulties arc put in their by the Dominion authorities, and disappointment and disillusionment are evident. “It is a remarkable fact that emigration is lowest when trade is bad and highest when trade is good. Men do not like to cross the seas without some money for contingencies. It would pay England handsomely to capitalise the prospective dole over five years, to induce desirable emigrants The Dominions should face some of the risks if Britain finds the money.-’