IMMIGRATION SCHEME

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 113, 16 May 1939, Page 8

IMMIGRATION SCHEME

TO RELIEVE SHORTAGE OF LABOUR DEPUTATION TO MINISTER WORK FOR NEW ZEALANDERS FIRST. [ Per Press Association J WELLINGTON, May 15. The question of whether it would be advisable for New Zealand to import immigrants to lighten the effect of the shortage of labour on farms, in factories, and in home was introduced by a deputation which waited on the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry. The Minister said that the Government aimed at finding work for New Zealanders before embarking on any immigration scheme. It was stated that there was a retarda.ion of enterprise and development evident in many important spheres because of the impossibility of meeting demands for labour. Mr. Parry replied that it was correct that in primary and secondary industries there was not nearly sufficient labour available, bitt it would be wrong to say that the Government was not making a stout effort (not without success; to relieve the position in many ways. The deputation, he said, had spoken of reviving the country’s immigration

iving the country’s immigration policy which had been dormant for some years. “That brings up the question of the welfare of our people, said the Minister. "We must see all our men, women and young people satisfactorily and beneficially placed before any scheme for immigration is decided upon. The chief desire of the Government was to see that all avenues of employment received their right type of labour and explorations of labour and industries departments were all directed in that direction. Mr. Parry added that many letters had been received by members of the Government from people in England and foreign countries who wished to settle in New Zealand and after outlining the contents of some of the communications, said that it was evident that we in New Zealand could quickly have a very cosmopolitan population.