OLD GRIEVANCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 163, 13 July 1933, Page 5

OLD GRIEVANCE

VICTORIAN SETTLERS CRITICISM IN COMMONS THE BLAME ON AUSTRALIA Uy Pless Association—Capyrirht) Received July 12, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, July 11. In the House ol Commons, Mr J. H. J nomas, Dominions Secretary, in answer to further questions relating to the Victorian settlers said that ho was pressing the matter and expected a consultation between the Commonwealth ami Victorian Governments in the near future. Mr W. Lunn (Lab.): Has not tho Premier of Victoria persistently delayed his Government in coining to a decision on the subject? As there will be a debate here on tho subject within a fortnight, will you press for a decision 1 Mr Thomas: I deplore the delay, fur which I see no justification. I am pressing to have the matter dealt with. Mr J. Maxton (Lab.): Has the British Government decided as to its own responsibilities in the matter? Mr Thomas: I have made up my mind that these people are entitled to consideration. lam pressing home their responsibility on those whom I believe to be responsible. 1 could not be expected to say more.” The Royal Commission established to investigate ‘ the grievances of British settlers in Victoria reported last March in scathing terms on the “misrepresentation by Federal and State officials in London, whereby British emigrants wore induced to settle, in the State of Victoria. ” Tho settlers were given insufficient training, and there was inadequate supervision of inexperienced farmers, the report stated. Tlip propaganda issued bv the Agent-General during the vears 1922-23-24 was also condemned. Reviewing 318 cases the Commission found that tho opportunitv given to Ilin settlors of earning a living and acquiring a farm fell short, of tho State’s obligation. The Commission declared that, although the emigrants were not nartics to the agreements, the Imperial Government had a just claim upon the State for fulfilment. Tn the House, of Commons on Julv 4 Mr Thomas, replying to Mr W. Lunn •'Labour, Rothwell), said that he was still not in n position to make n. statement regarding the British settlors who had complained of their treatment in Victoria. Mr Lunn asked: Is it not time some definite action was taken to obtain a decision as to itfhat Australia is going to do in the interests of the settlers? Mr Thomas: T entirely associate my- • elf with Mr Lunn’s remark. Tn rnv opinion unnecessary delay has occurred, but. it is fair to sav that T am pressing the matter as far as T ’ran. Earlv in Jure, tho matter was raised ’n tho House, of Commons and Mr James Maxton stated that tho men had gone to Victoria, on tho joint responsibility of tho British Government. find tho Victorian Government. ITe asked what stops wore being taken to remedy tho wrongs that had boon done them. Mr Thomas replied that ho did not admit that tho British Government was responsible for anv wrong. Ho had made representations in tho matter anti did not disguise the difficulties of tho unfortunate position of the migrants. Mr Maxton then asked if there was no newer to prevent tho Minister from side-stopping his question.