IMMIGRATION

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 98, 19 January 1921, Page 7

IMMIGRATION

—4 ______ AUSTRALIAN AGENTS-GENERAL CONFER QUESTION OF SELECTION DISCUSSED By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. London, January 17. Senator Millen and Air. Percy Hunter (Chief Immigration Officer for Queensland) met the Agents-General of Australia at an immigration conference. AH were present except Sir Peter APBrido (Victoria), who was absent owing to illness. Senator Alillcn submitted the resolutions of the Premiers’ Conferences at Melbourne in Alay and July, and asked whether the Agents-General had received instructions from their respective Governments lo act upon the resolutions. Sir Timothy Coghlan staled that he had been definitely authorised to comply with the resolutions. Mr. Hunter said he had written to his Government and was awaiting n reply. Air. Lucas (AVest Australia) stated that his Government had agreed to the general terms of the resolutions, but he was not informed how far the State, was committed as regards permitting the selection of immigrants by tho Commonwealth. Air. Ashbolt (Tasmania) said he was instructed to co-operate with the Commonwealth. Ah*. Atoss said that West Australia had instructed its Agent-General to co-operate generally, but had reserved to tho Agent the final selection of immigrants. A letter was read from tho secretary of the Victorian Agency staring that the Victorian Government would gladly cooperate. Senator Alillen. summarising the statements, said it appeared that Queensland and South Australia were though they were not hostile. Most Australia’s attitude had created a distinct class. West Australia’s retention of the final selection meant maintaining a ’separate emigration staff in London. He suggested that they should obtain further advices from Brisbane and Adelaide. Meanwhile the Commonwealth was prepared to go ahead if the four States agreed to co-operate. It was decided to adjourn till Alonday, pending the receipt of definite decisions from Queensland and South Australia. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.