IMMIGRATION CONTROL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 281, 27 November 1936, Page 8

IMMIGRATION CONTROL

FARMERS’ OPINIONS ORGANISED SCHEME NECESSARY WORKS I ROM RURAL DISTRICTS. Indicating that the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Un.on would be inclined to favour a system of organised immigration, Mr. Lloyd Hammond, group representative, said at yesterday's meeting of the Wanganui Provincial Executive, that a scheme for bringing lads from agricultural districts in England to definite jobs in New Zealand would perhaps prove satisfactory. They would be

| called upon to sign a contract and undertake to work for a certain period at a definite wage. This, he thought, would be more desirable than the system of immigration which was in vogue some years ago. The subject was introduced by Mrs. McPhail, who attended the meeting on behalf of the W.D.F.U. This branch recently received a remit from the Wairarapa section of the W.D.F.U., urging that a policy of ordered immigration of selected and trained British immigrants on a quid pro quo basis with Britain, as outlined by the Dominion Settlement Association, be adopted. Mrs. McPhail remarked that at a recent meeting of the Wanganui branch of the W.D.F.U. ‘opinions were divided on this matter. Many considered that so long as the sons of farmers were unable to obtain farms, New Zealand had no right to encourj age immigration. On the other hand, however, it was felt in some quarters, that if the Dominion were not populated sufiiciently by the right people the country may be forced to do so with the wrong people. Mrs. McPhail said she was asked to approach the Farmers’ Union for some indication as to how her meeting should vote on the matter. I Mr. W. T. Howie said this was a vital question to New Zealand. It was a matter which should be discussed and not left for somebody else. He thought it was a move in the right direction, providing the right class of people became available. It was a question that should be closely gone into and a start made as soon as poss.ble. Mr. A. P. Melville considered it important that New Zealand should be further populated. He was afraid ’ that if this were not done the country may not have 4he same opportunity later on, more so if other countries with envious eyes on the fertile lands of the Dominion took a hand in the matter. Mr. J. R. Franklin said a good deal could be said for both sides. Before any action was taken, however, New Zealand should lind out the reasons ' why thousands of her people were out lot work and living on sustenance. “We should find this out before we bring any more people into the country," he added. Mr. Leach: Many boys have come out here and have been entirely unsuited for farm work. They have been well treated in the country, but in no time have drifted into the towns and cities. Mr. Lloyd Hammond said that a deputation from the Dominion Executive . approached Cabinet last February, but , was informed that at the time the Government was not prepared to do ■ anything until the question of unem- ’ ployment was dealt with. The major- ' ity of the meetings of farmers which ■ he had attended were in favour of , some form of organised immigration, ■ but not the system which was in > vogue some years ago. An officer ap- - pointed by the New Zealand Govern--1 ment could be appointed to select suit--5 able applicants in the rural districts , of Great Britain. They should be ini formed of the exact conditions obtain- , ing in the Dominion and if accepted should be brought out and apprenticed ■ to definite jobs. The Dominion Exe- ) cutive was inclined to support a ' scheme along these lines. If the i Minister in charge of immigration was i prepared to entertain any proposals, - such a scheme would be put before a him. Mr. Melville said this was a satisfac- • tory idea. There was no sense in ) bringing out immigrants without disI crimination being exercised. Mrs. McPhail said she favoured the 1 lads being brought and trained to be ! real farmers.