German Migrants For N.Z.; Expression Of Opinion Sought

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 November 1948, Page 5

German Migrants For N.Z.; Expression Of Opinion Sought

DUNEDIN. Nov. 25 (P.A.)--Letters from German citizens applying for positions in Dunedin, sent to the town clerk, Mr. R. A. Johnston, and tabled at a meeting of the Otago Immigration Welfare Commitee today bv Mr. C. J. Hayward, aroused comment from Mr. D. J. Wood, a representative of the R.S.A. on the committee. Members agreed that the ■otters involved too broad a subject for the local committee to deal with and suggested that they should be sent to the immigration division of the Depart men! of Labour and Employment in Wellington for information. “i feel taht an opinion should be

expressed before the letters are sent to Wellington,” said Mr. Wood. “I have very strong views on the matter and the mere forwarding of the lettr.-> to the department may imply that we support a policy to accept immigrants from Germany.”

The chairman. Mr. L. C. Stephens, suggested that the letters should be sent, to the department requesting a statement of its policy. It was agreed to forward the letters to the department incorporating suggestions made bv the chairman. One letter came from an apprentice salesman, aged 20, who had been a prisoner of war in England and another was from a 22-year-old carpenter.