IMMIGRATION QUESTION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1923, Page 1

IMMIGRATION QUESTION

COMMISSION TO ACSTHALU. [by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.' WELLINGTON, Alay G. Three members of the British Immigration Commission to Australia arrived by the Alaungamii from San Francisco on tlie way to Australia. They comprise Sir AYilliain Windham, chairman of the Commission; James Wignail ALP., for Forest Dean, Gloucester who was appointed by the Labour Party to represent them on the Commission; anti ATiss Gladys Pott, in charge of the Women’s Section of the Immigration Department. They are accompanied by Mr Somerville, representing the Dcpai tnicnt of Overseas Settlement who is acting as Secretary to the Commission. They will he joined in Sydney by Air C. W. Smith, represen ling the agricultural interests of Great Britain. The Commission was appointed as the outcome of operations under the British Empire Overseas Settlement Act. passed some time ago as a result of a special invitation received by the British Government from the Commonwealth Government to send a delegation to Australia to investigate various schemes they had to submit for dealing with British Immigration to Australia.

No such invitation, it is said, was extended by tlie New Zealand Government, and the Commission arrived here without the Dominion authorities being aware of the fact.

On arrival Afr Wignall got Into touch with Afr P. Eraser, ALP., acting secretary of the New Zealand Labour Parlv. who immediately communicated with the Prime AHnisler’s secretary and with the Under Secretary of tlie Immigration Department, who welcomed the Commission on behalf of the Government.