IMMIGRANT SHIP DUE IN N.Z. NEXT MONTH

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 April 1949, Page 5

IMMIGRANT SHIP DUE IN N.Z. NEXT MONTH

WELLINGTON, Last Night (PAI. —The immigrant ship Atlantis, which left Southampton on April 5, is due at Wellington on May 19. The passenger list is made up of 777 assisted migrants—s 49 men and 228 women—and 40 R.N.Z.A.F. recruits, 23 Army and 46 Navy, and also eight other passengers. An officer of the Immigration Division of the Department of Labour and Employment said today that the Service recruits all had previous experience in the forces, most being specialists in technical fields. Although not brought to New Zealand under the civilian assistance scheme, they would, in most cases, become permanent settlers after completing service ranging from four to seven years. It is unlikely that commercial vessels will be used to bring assisted immigrants this year. In the past batches of assisted immigrants have been accommodated on commercial vessels, but the reduced shipping allocations had meanwhile ruled, this out, the officer explained. Essential workers whose passages were arranged by the immigration authorities, but who' were not coming under the assisted scheme would, however, still come by commercial ships. The Atlantis would be used solely for assisted migrants.

The Atlantis is scheduled to make three arrivals in New Zealand this year as well as leaving Britain at the end of November for a projects rival next January. It is hoped to bring 3000 assisted immigrants to New Zealand this year, added to which are 2000 essential workers and families for which priorities have been arranged.