NEW SETTLERS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17469, 1 June 1922, Page 7

NEW SETTLERS.

DISSATISFACTION WITH DFtAFTS. WEST AUSTRALIA COMPLAINS. (8.7 Cahle—Pros*; ..ssc-i'.ior.— ar.d X Z. CaV.e Association.) LONDON. May 30. Emigration officials, replying to Press cables from Australia alleging that recent batches of immigrants included people physically unfit, and that many were unwilling to be ome country workers, state that the allegations are either exaggerated or they relate to a small percentage of cases which the most rigorous regulations are unable to entirely eliminate. The cables specially mentiou West Australia, regarding which the officials point out that the regulations relating to that State are stricter than those relating to other States. West Australia excludes all applicants classified as having suffered from war disabilities, while other States will accept them. No applicant is accepted for West Australia without reference to an official specially representing West Australia on the staff of Australia House. He ha* power to veto any application. Nevertheless, West Australia i 6 the only State which has complained since the Department was established. Usually 90 per cent, of the applicants are rejected, and the balance of 10 per cent, is further reduced under rigorous medical inspection, first by British doctors and second by the Departmental medical officer. The medical standard is more severe than it is for the army. With reference to immigrants being unwilling to become country workers the officials point out that every immigrant signs a declaration that he is prepared to undertake country work. He mu6t furnish documentary proofs that he possesses land and working ex^Tience. Sir J. Mitchell (Premier of West Australia) has received a cable from the New Settlers' League at Perth alleging that latest batches of immigrants are unsatisfactory and below the usual standard. Ho intends making enquiries.

PERTH, May 31. The New Settlers' League is ending a message to Sir J. Mitchell stating that the latest batches of immigrants are unsatisfactory and far below the usual standard. The message stresses the urgent need for stricter supervision. It is stated that some are physically unsuitable, while others are unwilling to adopt the country life.