ASSISTED IMMIGRANTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1954, 10 January 1914, Page 6

ASSISTED IMMIGRANTS.

GOVERNMENT'S POSITION.*: A, — Tho position of tho Government with regard to tho farm boys who arrive- by tlio Ayrshire in Auckland on January' 10, was yesterday made plain, by .the Hon. H. D. Beli, Minister in Charge of. the Department of Agriculture. ..ho said: — ■; , :

"For many years the Government of New Zealand has assisted the passages of two classes of immigrants—nameljv farm labourers and domestic servants.' Tho assisted immigrants pay a portion of tho passage, money ami the Government the balance. Other colonial Governments havo also for years past arranged by various methods for tlio immigration of boys, so that the now colonist may start in the new country at an early age. ■

"It is manifest that- two difficulties ariso in such- cases. First-, provision must bo made for a homo for tho boy .when ho arrives, and immediately continuous work secured to Jiim;."..and, secondly, tho whole passage money must be provided, and an arrangement mado for. tho roturn of the due proportion by. tho boy. The Ward Government made arrangements under which fifty town boys under Mr. Sedgwick's scheme were brought to Now Zealand; and that Government mado ariangoments under which thoso boys went, direct to farmers with a minimum wages of os. per week for tho first year—tho wages, except pocket money, being kept back in order to make tho refund of tho moneys advanced for tho passago and other expenses. Tho' present Government has mado arrangements for tho introduction of boys from tho rural districts, with experience of farm work, and have arranged with farmers for their immediate employment—tho' farmef advancing a considerable part of tho passage money, to bo refunded to him out of the wages. Tho present Government, however, specified a minimum wago for tho first year of 7s. 6d. per - week. Undor tho agreement signed by the boys, they are only bound to go to tho •homo and work provided for them for ono year—tho wage having. been . arranged in advance, and to bo in 110 case less than 7s. Gd. per week for the first year.

"Tho farmer's arrangements involve an obligation by the farmer to continue to employ tho boy for at least three years, at ail increasing minimum wago for tho second and third years. So that whatever the ago of tho boy may bo, lie is secured in n homo and employment for at least three years if ho behaves himself. The farmor is also bound to supply tho boy with clothing as well as food.

'"It is nonsense to talk of contract labour. The object of the Government is that tho boys shall have a secure llome and work on their arrival. It is essential that should be provided. The boy's agreement to continue his employment for a year is neeessary to secure the refund to the farmer and to tho Government of the moneys advanced to bring tho boys to New Zealand. ' It■ is desirable to encourage tho immigration to New Zealand of boys with some experience in farm work—not only in the interests of New Zealand, but in the interests of the boys themselves; and' tho Government, intend to continue that desirable work so lofig as,assisted passages aro granted to farm labourers. It is not only desirable but necessary in tho conduct of that work that agreements should bo made with 'farmers, ensuring comfortable homes, clothingj and food for tho boys immediately on their arrival, and the opportunity of continuous service. No colonial Government has failed to recognise its duty s in this respect both to Uhe'boys and to their parents." ..■■ .