EMIGRATION

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1920, Page 3

EMIGRATION

BIG BRITISH PROPOSAL.

[|lY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, Dec. 23. The Antralum Press Association interviewed Rt. Hon. Amcry, Mr MncNaughton (vice-chairman of the Overseas Settlement Committee), Mr Percy Hunter, Mr J. O’Bed Smith (Secretary of 1 Canadian Emigration) and other

emigration authorities. The consensus of theii ? opinion is that the British Government now contemplates extending to civilians the policy that now is only applicable to exservteif men. Under this scheme, applicants are granted free passage for tlicmelves and the fa- dependents, provided that they are acceptable to tbe Dominions to which they propose to emigrate. It is authoritively stated that nothing will be done until 'the proposals are submitted to the Premiers’ Conference in May or June. It is absolutely dependent on their approval. Rt. Hon Amery vigorously repudiated the allegation that the Government contemplate the emigration cither of unemployed or unemployable emigrants. Unemployed would not be sent unless they are approved by official representatives of the Dominion

both as to their number, and qualifications. Heretofore the Dominions have absorbed ex-service men applying through the Overseas Settlement Committee, subject only to limitations of transport. It is not proposed to depart from the existing policy. The suitableness and acceptableness of emigrant is being made tho matter of a joint conference between Britain and the Dominions. Mr MacNaughton pointed out that Mr Lloyd George had expressly stated: —“ I should like to see an emigration sclieme, considered in connection with the Dominions. 'Phis is one of the problems that I hope to see discussed

■ j when we have a meeting of the Empire’s ■ Premiers in May in this country.” . 5 j Mr MflcNa light on added that this ; : statement amounted to a pledge that ' j nothing would be done without the con- . sultation and approval of the Domin--1 . ions. • I Air MacNaughton said that nothing could be done before May or June, as it would require six months to investigate the overseas conditions and to formulate plans. He strongly insisted | on. the necessity of co-operation bej tween Britain and the Dominions and j upon the promotion of the emigration j of women and children, without wait- 1 ing for a Premiers’ Conference. j Mr Hunter stated the present acute I situation as to unemployment in Kng-

i land was owing to the cessation of I emigration during the war and to a natural increase in population, which , had averaged 1,000,000. Consequent- ! ly hundreds of thousands capable of .making ideal colonists and sett'v s ! were' ready to be recruited for Britain, besides a great number o£ women wire eligible, as they were trained for domestic" service, nqd would’be able to telievc the situation in the Dominions.