HOMES AND WORK FOR EX-SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2929, 15 November 1916, Page 3

HOMES AND WORK FOR EX-SOLDIERS

L.AN'D SETTLEMENT IN BRITAIN 7 AND THE COLONIES.' Provisions for ox-soldiers by settlement on tlie lan<l ut Home mid in the Dominions overseas. was recently discussed bv ii deputation of tlio Empire Laud Settlement Committee of the Uoyul Colonial Institute which waited xinon the Colonial Secretary. In. introducing tho deputation, Earl Grey said tho views of the institute were embodied in tho. recommendations of, the Commission appointed by tho Ontario Government. Theso were that an Imperial Miration Board bo formed in London, and that this,board bo responsible for the distribution of complete inforniatio.n regarding the demand and opportunities in the Dominions. Sir Rider Haggard spoke. of tho promises made to him on his world's' tour, and expressed his conviction that these would be kept not only in the letter, but, in the spirit. Tho home settlement point of view was put by Mr. George Roberts, M.P., Junior Lord of tho Treasury. ■Replying to tho deputation, Mr. Bou,ar Law said:. "I assure you that everything you liavo said wo appreciate fully. Tho only question is as to tho best way of giving effect to the 'wishes you, have oxprossed. In my opinion, as. indeed in the opinions of tlioso representing the Overseas Dominions, our first duty, if we can, is to make it possible to keep as many of our men as wo can at homo. As regards emigration, we all agree that if men go away—and I think many wjll, for I think tho attractions -which may be offered by tho -colonies will be very for■midable competitors—it is clearly tho duty of the Government to see that those who do emigrate are by one moans or another induced to omigrate to places under tho British Elag, and so add to the strength of the British Empire. Of .course, tho danger of 6ome sudden throwing free of thousands of men whom you will have no opportunity of reaching, and who, may bo attracted to other countries, is one which, if it happen, or is likely to happen,- would show some want of organisation which ought to 1m prevented. "With 1 regard to tho proposed Emigration Board. Something of the kind has got to be done. We are trying to solve that problem; and I hope'it will not be long before we have done something to set machinery to work to carry out the wishes of the deputation."