DISAPPOINTED MIGRANTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 74, 1 September 1947, Page 5

DISAPPOINTED MIGRANTS

MR SULLIVAN’S QUESTION Information on the reported return to Britain of 30 immigrants to New Zealand was sought by Mr W. Sullivan (National, Bay of Plenty) in a question in the House of Representatives.

Replying, the Minister (Mr McLagan) said that the only information available was that contained in a recent Press report, and as the people had left the country it was not possible to make any detailed investigation into the matter. Inquiries had failed to reveal the number involved, but it was definite that none of those concerned was brought to New Zealand under the Government’s immigration - scheme. It would appear from the Press report that the people referred to were family groups who had come to New Zealand entirely on their own initiative and without first having taken the precaution of making inquiries from a reliable source, such as the High Commissioner’s office, s as to the housing position in this country. All overseas inquiries were definitely advised of the acute housing shortage and were informed by the High Commissioner that it w#s practically impossible for new Arrivals to rent houses or flats in this country. Married people were also advised against coming to New Zealand at present unless they had made prior arrangements ‘ for accommodation. Immigration booklets gave a sober and realistic description of conditions of employment and housing here, and were not in any way misleading.