Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1871.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 17, Issue 943, 14 February 1871, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1871.

When it became known that arrangements had been concluded for the introduction of a number of Scandinavian immigrants to the Province of Wellington, it was generally understood that it was with the intention of settling them in the form of a colony somewhere on Government land; but it now appears that no provision has been made for the reception of these unfortunate people, who will have to be kept at Government expense until they can find some chance of employment in the trades to which they hate been accustomed in their ov.n country. As they labor under the serious drawback of being unacquainted with the English language, it will be some time before they find employment, and they will, therefore, for a considerable period be a burden instead of a gain to the Colony. They are described in a Government advertisement as " Agricultural and other laborers, carpenters, machinists, blacksmiths, cattle drivers and tenders, brokers and millers, and tailors/' and employers desirous of engaging them are requested to apply to the Provincial authorities. According to Dr. Featherstpn's account, published in the New Gazette some time since, these people are educated and intelligent; and it is lamentable to think that they Should be brought here either to exist

on Government rations, or to contend at a disadvantage with the superabundant labor already in the Colony. The Evening Post of the 30th ult. says : " It is folly to pretend that there is occupation to be found in Wellington for the tradesmen particularised in the advertisement, except it is made for them. In every one of the trades mentioned, there are at present numbers of unemployed hands, and many more are only working half their time; no room can be found for the new comers unless old hands are turned adrift, and that of coxirse supposes a reduction of wages. We have no hesitation in saying that this proceeding is grossly unfair, both to the mechanics and laborers now in the country, and to those of Dr. Featherston's importation."

The terms in which the organ of ihe Government alludes to the new immigrants are such as might well arouse the indignation of its readers. The Independent says :

" A n imber of people yesterday availed themselves of the line day to visit the Celseno and see the new arrivals, and on the whole e\ en one seemed to be satisfied with the look of our Teatonic (!) friends, who from their ap pearance are not likely to cause any apprehension amongst the working class of the town. They of course have a very foreign look, and do not look too intelligent; but as they are all healthy, and possess a good physical development, they will no doubt prove very acceptable settlers in some country district.''

We imagine thai the Government of Wellington will ultimately find that the only way to deal with their " white elephant" will be the method recommended by the Evening Post: —

" The best way to dispose of the Swedes will be to give them a moder ate allowance of land, and enable them to start as settlers on their own account in the vicinity of some of the townships on the Mangiwatu Block. ft'they are, as is reported, industrious people, they will soon "feel their feet" with the aid cf a little encouragement, and, becoming bond fide se*tleis and producers, prove a benefit to the Colony, instead of, as at present threatened, the cause of misery, disagreement, and heartburnings."

This, we presume, is to lie regarded as the first specimen of the working of the grand immigration scheme of the Government. No provision has been made for their reception during the time that has elapsed since it was known that they were on their way out, and no inducement is offered 10 them to make this Colony their peimanent home.