Atlantis On Way With More Immigrants

Chronicle (Levin), 14 April 1949, Page 5

Atlantis On Way With More Immigrants

Al'CKLAXI), April 13. The innnigrunt slnp Atlantis whieh left iSouthampton on April 5, is due *xt Wellington on May 19. The passenger list is made up of 777 assisted migrants, —549 inen and 226 women — and 10 K.X.Z.A.F. reeruits, 23 Armv and 46 Xavv. There are also eight other passengers. An oflicer of the imniigration division of the I)e])arlnient of Labour and Ivnplevnient, said today that tlie servie( reeruits all had pre\ious experience iu the forces, tnost being sjieeialists in teclinical tields. Although not brought to New Zealand under the eivilian assistance scheine, they would in most eases become perniauent settlers after completing serviee ranging from four to seven years. It is unlikely tliat eonnnereial vessels will be used to bring assisted immi grants this year. In the past batches of assisted immigrants have been accommodated on eonnnereial vessels but redueed shipping alloeations have nieanwhile rulefl tliis out. the oflicer cxplained. Essential workers whose passages were arranged by the imniigration authorities but who were not coming under the assisted scheme will, however, still come by eonnnereial ships. The Atlantis will 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 Novetnber for projectei arrival next January, it is hoped ro bring 3000 assisted immigrants to New Zealand this year, added to which are 2000 essential workers and faiuilies ior whieh priorities have been arranged.