IMMIGRATION POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 146, 23 June 1931, Page 8

IMMIGRATION POLICY

NEW ZEALAND’S ATTITUDE

CURTAILMENT OF POLICY I Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON, June 22. “There appears to be some misconception as to the immigration policy at present in operation,” stated Mr 8. G. Smith, Minister of Immigration, today. “Owing to conditions existing in New Zealand during the past 3J years it became necessary to curtail the rate of assisted migration which prevailed in previous years. It had to be remembered that sudden curtailment coulc not be brought into operation immediately without inflicting a certain amount of hardship in many cases. It was decided, therefore, to restrict tliu assisted migration to include only: (1) Separated families; (2) domestic servants; (3) Flock House, Salvation Army and Church of England schemes. “This restriction meant that the numbers coming to the Dominion under this category were 65 per cent, less than previously. However, owing to continuing and increasing unemployment it became imperative for additional restrictions to be imposed until, at the present time, none but separated families are eligible for nominated passages. In justice to members families, under this heading, who have already been approved and assisted to the Dominion, the Government is morally bound to give them the right to nominate. “There has been a certain amount of ’comment and criticism regarding the statement which tho Prime Minister made in the House during the closing hours of last session concerning the continuance of bringing domestic servants out from thn United Kingdom. That decision was made on March 31, 1931, and the High Commissioner was advised accordingly. “Naturally under the migration scheme, there were at that date, a certain number of applicants already approved and holding their contract tickets. These were given the opportunity of continuing pr cancelling their contract, with the result that the last party of 20 domestics is due to arrive on the Mataroa on June 24. “From time, to time,” said the .Minister, “reference has been made to advertisements inserted in newspapers circulating in the Old Country, inviting applications from those desirous of migrating to the Dominion for the purpose of taking up domestic situations. Inquiries show that such advertisements were arranged by the shipping agents and, prior to the decision of the Government for a discontinuance of tho scheme of free passages for domestic servants to New Zealand. Appropriate action was taken through the High Commissioner with the result that no further advertisements of a similar nature have appeared during 1 ho last two months.”