Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. 1M .M Kill ATKIN QUESTION. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.n; LONDON. June 29 The report of the Colonial Office Emigration Commission of inquiry formed the subject of a special session at the Empire Conference to-day. It is understood the report recommended the system of free passages for ex-service men, he extended to civilians and dependents, provided they are acceptable to the Dominions. It also recommends .the British Government to allocate re a loiui of two millions annually for the purpose of assisting land settlers at the rate of £3OO per settler. Hon Churchill who presided,-stated the Government were much concerned in the development of the Dominions, in the interest of Empire trade development. and defence, and were eager to co-operate with the Dominions Governments in the promotion of land settlement, hut dissociated emigration from the unemployment difficulty. According to the report of Colonial Oflicce emigration conference held in January and February, which forms the basis of the present negotiations, the British Government does not favour financing on a large scale land settlement, which Mr Millen proposed, ami prefers a system of loans to the individual through the Dominions Governments, who would he responsible for recommending the advances and collecting repayments. All assisted emigration will lie remitted to primary producers. The scheme begins in the middle of next year, after the cessation of the ex-soldiers scheme.

Mr Hughes said Australia, with a small population, had expended over sixty million pounds in repatriating soldiers. Mr Hughes promised cooperation, provided the emigrants were land settlers, lnitr indicated that the 1: itisli allocation was inadequate, if extensive settlements were contemplated. Mr Ma«scy pointed out New Zealand had absorbed ten thousaiv 1 •immigtabbs last year, ’.mi ; Dug limited landed anas avalahle, wa.> unable to take immigrants on a much larger scale. ■ A committee comprising Bendy (Canada) Allen (New Zealand). Mentis (South African Defence Minister) and Hunter, were appointed to inquire and report to the conference at the end.