WELCOMING IMMIGRANTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1079, 18 March 1911, Page 3

WELCOMING IMMIGRANTS.

Sir, —Last Saturday's issue of your paper contained an interesting nrtielo by "Evelyn Isitt" descriptive of the departure from London of emigrants bound for New Zealand, and in concluding her article she points out tho desirability of establishing a settlers' committee, whose duty it . should be to welcome immigrants at this end of the journey. May Ilm allowed to point out that such an organ- i isation does exist, although it has worked quietly.

A year ago tho Wellington Church Immigration Society was founded, with the Bishop of Wellington as its first president, and I believe a similar organisation, in connection with the Presby- 1 terian body, has since been formed, with probably similar objects in view. llio annual meeting of the former society will bo held early in April, when it will bo shown that good, solid work has been done. I believo a proposal will then be brought forward to incorporate the word "welcome." in its title, to obviate any misconception in regard, to tho aims and objects of tho society. . Tlii' society has nothing to do with in- i ducinp people to eomo to.New Zealand, j' but simply to welcome them when tlicyi do conic. For a year now the agent' of tho socieiv, i\lr. Walton, of St.., IVter's Mission, Tnranalti Street,. has met every ship coming into Wellington, and he haa distributed information! cards to all immigrants without distinct j tion of crcetl, leaving it to their .own l ' discretion whether they avail themselves of the offer or not. Many liavo dono. so, and the scores of letters received by; the society from immigrants, after their dispersal to different parts of the D>jminion, testify to their appreciation;'of any kindness shown to them on arrival. The society's welcome to tbo "Sedgwick" boys will bo fresh in your readers' minds. * I cncloso a circular issued by the so-! ciety, setting forth its aims and 1 objects —I am, ctc., GEORGE FLUX, Hon, See. j Wellington Church Immigration Society. , ■ : March IC, 1911. The circular referred to includes tho following matters: — > \ Aims and Objects.—To meet immigrants from England, offering them ai welcome on behalf of their church,'giv-i ing tlieni advice as to lodgings, employ-1 ment, etc.', and commending them by. letter to the clergy of the variouu-1 places to which they arc bound. Almvi to provide hospitality on occasions for j thoso who have no friends to go to on I the day of arrival. 1

Methods Adopted.—Cards have bccuj printed, giving tho names and addresses I of certain clergy in.Wellington, and of ( societies likely to be of help to iinmtgrants, such as the G.F.S., C.E.M.S., i Y.M.C.A., Y.W.C.A., etc., and. inform-I ing them that they will he met by our ! agent on arrival. These arc taken on J. hoard at Hobart by clergy or C.E.M.S, ;| men, and distributed among tho pas- ' sengers after leaving that port. At "Wellington our agent goes out on boards H'.e Health Officer's boat, and sees tho '. immigrants individually, as i'ar as tiiuo' will permit, before the vessel is berthed. At the. same time he gives theni a, card with his name and address, at St. ' Peter's Mission, so that they may-come-to consult him, after landing, if tlu-y desire. Many avail themselves'of thiu opportunity. .... . . . ..... ' Present Expenses;— Printing cards/ etc., postages, installation of telephone for Mr. Walton, to give him notice about tho arrival of boats, temporary hospitality in certain cases where people arc friendless. How You Can Help?—(1) By praying for God's blessing on this important work. (2) My making the society and its objects known to others; by subscribing to its funds and collecting from others. (3) H.v communicating with Mr. Walton, re openings for work in your own district, especially on farms. »