New Zealand’s Immigration Policy Attacked

Press, Volume C, Issue 29502, 2 May 1961, Page 15

New Zealand’s Immigration Policy Attacked

If New Zealand persists in pursuing its present immigration policies the people of Fiji cannot be blamed if the cordiality and affection between the two peoples degenerates into bitterness, and perhaps hostility, says a letter to “The Press,” from Mohammed Tora, of Suva. “A trade union in Fiji known as the Wholesale and Retail Workers' General Union, wrote to the Government of Fiji some time in March this year on the question of unemployment in this country.” the letter says. “In that letter was a resolution passed at a public meeting of mostly unemployed persons, requesting the Government to approach the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and inquire whether these countries would come to Fiji’s aid. and render temporary assistance by permitting entry to persons from Fiji on temporary permits of from three to six months, during which time they could be employed in these countries.

"The New Zealand Labour Department’s reply that New Zealand was for one reason or another unable to vary its immigration policy requires comment. Also, the ordinary citizen, I am certain, is not fully acquainted with the present situation in Fiji and should be enlightened. Close Ties “That Fiji is closely linked with New Zeeland is well known to all. There are a number of New Zealand concerns here, and trade between the two countries is considerable. Political and economic bond* tie these two countries. “One would think that New Zetland would do everything

possible to have a politically contented neighbour. "Then again, Fijian soldiers fought alongside Australian and New Zealand troops during the Second World War in many parts of the world, but more particularly in the East Indian and Pacific islands; practically on New Zealand's doorstep. “True, they fought for common survival, but the fact remains that facilities generously given in war did not extend into the period of peace. On the contrary, New Zealand threw open its doors to erstwhile enemies who were welcomed with open arms.

“The cessation of hostilities miraculously converted former enemies into former countrymen overnight, so to speak, while links forged in the heat of battle unaccountably degenerated into supercilious indifference. Serious Problem “The Wholesale and Retail Workers? General Union is not asking for much. Unemployment in Fiji, please let it be understood, is not becoming, but actually is a serious problem. The union is asking for only temporary relief, and not in the form of charity, either. “New Zealand newspapers daily display hundreds of advertisements for vacant positions, and these are glaring testimony to the acute shortage of manpower. “The Government intends to bring into New Zealand 5000 assisted immigrants this year, and 7500 next year; yet where Fiji is concerned, the Government will not swerve

from nor modify its immigration policy.” Callousness The Fiji Government itself showed an attitude of deplorable callousness to the problem, which though the people expected it, they nevertheless found hard to bear. “The union had submitted other resolutions passed at the same public meeting, requiring the Government to inquire into the question of granting unemployment benefits, as there is no social security in Fiji,” the letter says.

“It was suggested that if this -was not expedient, the Government could initiate a campaign locally and abroad for the purpose of raising moneys and goods for distribution among the unemployed. The Government replied that such a course would be followed only in emergencies and in the event of this colony being struck by an act of God. “This implies that the people -have not suffered sufficiently to justify the Government seriously considering this proposition.

“Think of it! More than 1000 families with no means of support—more than 1000 families comprising perhaps 10,000 persons out of a total coloured population of 390.000 is a high percentage; more than 2 per cent. “I feel certain your readers will agree that it would be an act of lasting generosity and kindness were New Zealand to relax its present immigration policies and thereby offer the temporary relief this colony so earnestly and sincerely cries for. “It would benefit- the peoples of both countries and strengthen existing bonds. It is to be hoped that good sense will yet prevail,” the letter said.