STATE-AIDED EMPIRE SETTLEMENT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 108, 31 January 1921, Page 5

STATE-AIDED EMPIRE SETTLEMENT

DISCUSSED AT CONFERENCE IN LONDON

GOVERNMENT CO-OPERATION REQUIRED

(By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright (Rec. January 29, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 28.

Lord Milner presided over the Empire Settlement Conference. Senator Millen represented Australia, Sir James Allen New Zealand, and Mr. Perley Canada. The Imperial Treasury was also represented. South Africa was not represented. The Agents-General of the Australian States and Canadian provinces are not participating, leaving representation to tho Dominions.

Lord Milner explained that the conference related to State-aided Empire settlement. Emigration was the wrong term to use in this connection. The proposals embraced the agenda recently cabled, and related to tho transhipment of British, population within the confines of the Empire. They had no relation to emigration, -which, strictly interpreted, meant losing Empire population to foreign countries. He suggested that this matter was calling for tho 00-opera-tion of the whole of the Empire Governments.

Sir James Allen agreed, but deprecated spasmodic emigration, and advocated regular continuity. Senator Millon elaborated a scheme under which the British and Australian Governments should co-operate in the provision of finances in the shape of a loan whereby selected areas of Crown lands would be developed by means of railways, roads, bridges, water supply, and other works, on which settlers would be employed contemporaneously clearing, tilling, and cropping the lands. He pointed out that the greater part of the suitable lands were freehold, involving costly resumption, whereas suitable Crow’ll lands were inaccessible; hence the necessity of railways and other amenities accompanying settlement. Ho suggested Burnet River, Queensland, as a suitable district to initiate the scheme.

The Treasury representative replied in the negative, pending further details. Senator Millen undertook to formulate proposals.

Subsequently, Mr. Perley said Canada was sympathetic regarding Empire settlement, but preferred to adopt a waiting attitude for the present. The conference adjourned till Monday, when Colonel Amery will preside.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.