The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated. The Waikato Argus. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1928. MIGRATION SCANDAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17502, 8 September 1928, Page 6

The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated. The Waikato Argus. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1928. MIGRATION SCANDAL.

> — When It was announced a few weeks ago that Canada had requested the British Government to send 10,000 unemployed, preferably miners, to assist in the wheat harvest, it was felt that a generous effort had been made by the Dominion to assist Britain in solving her great unemployment problem. The Canadian authoriUes, it was stated, had agreed to arrange to look after the men upon arrival, assist them in finding employment, and at the conclusion of the harvest endeavour to settle them in the Dominion, and if unsuccessful provide facilities for their return to Britain. The response to the appeal for migrants was prompt- Many more offered than were required, and it was thought that th? arrangement would be mutually anvantageous—that it would ease the strain in Britain and assist Canada in the garnering of what is claimed to be a record harvest, while the scheme promised migrants an opportunity of starting life afresh under excellent conditions in a new country. It was evident that to transport men in such numbers in a short time would present difficulties and to successfully handle them upon arrival without some friction would be a triumph of organisation. The Canadian authorities, however, surely took these things into consideration before forwarding their offer, for otherwise they must have recognised that they would be heaping up serious trouble for themselves.

If the sensational allegations made by Mr Thomas Johnson, member of the House of Commons for Sterling, are correct, and it is claimed that they have been corroborated, it would appear that someone has blundered and blundered grievously. The migrants have been dumped down in a strange land and no adequate provision made either for their reception or placement. Mr David Kirkwood has made strong representations to Canadian officials, declaring 'hat the lack of system is disgraceful, but if Mr Johnson's allegations arc anywhere approaching the truth the conditions can better be described as “revolting and disgusting.” To confine the unfortunate men in underground cages and place soldiers and policemen on guard over them savours of slavery, and those responsible for the scandal must surely be brought to account. Mr Kirkwood hastens to put the blame upon Mr Baldwin, but this is probably unjustified. The men were sent at Canada’s invitation, and it was reasonanle to suppose that Canada had fully realised her obligations to Britain and the migrants. It may, of course, be found upon investigation that Mr Johnson has somewhat exaggerated the position, but that there is considerable ground for complaint is only too apparent, and it behoves the Government to take immediate steps to remove what is unquestionably a reproach to the country and to institute inquiries with a view to placing the blame for the scandal upon the right shoulders.