INDIANS IN N.Z.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1923, Page 4

INDIANS IN N.Z.

MR SASTIU’S OFFICIAL REPORT. A FAVOURABLE IMPRESSION. LONDON. March 28 The report of tfie Government of India by the Rt. Hon. V. S. Srinivtua Snstri on his mission to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada lias reached this country. So far as New Zealand is concerned he found that his compatriots suffered under two disabilities, and those are apparently not very serious—exclusion from the benefits of the Old Age Pensions Act and the difficulties of securing employment. In view of the fact that there are probably no Indians who fulfil the conditions regarding age required by the Old Age Pensions Act, and it is unlikely that any will be eligible for some y-.ars to come, no great hardship. say- Mr Sastri, should result from lh<;■ matter Ixiing allowed to stand >ver for the present—a course which was suggested by the Cabinet. “When the time comes,” the report proceeds, ‘T have no doubt that the

claims of Indians will receive a sympathetic consideration. In this belief 1 am strengthened by the assurances given me by the Minister of Public Works, that any Indians who could not find employment elsewhere would he provided with work by Government in order to enaljle them to earn a livelihood. In this connexion it seems de-

sirable to record an episode which 'eIkvts great credit on the Government of New Zealand. Some time ago a hand of Indian labourers was employed ou road construction, when white labourers refused to work with them. In this intransigent attitude they re-

ceived the support of their union. The authorities declined to dismiss the Indians and their firm stand led to a collapse of the white strike. This instance is significant of the firmness and

'mpartiality with which the Dominion of New Zealand administer their laws. I was also at some pains to enquire into the causes which prevented Indians from securing employment. It will be idle io deny that in some cases colour prejudice is responsible for the result, but the prejudice is confined io a lew. and si are the instances of unemployment among Indians. They do not enjoy the same degree of prosperity as their compatriots in Australia : but the explanation of this is to be sought, not in any aggravated manifestations of prejudice, as in a variety of cau-.es wholly unconnected with racial animosity. The majority ut Indians have not been long in the country and have yet to find their feel. Casual labour at a time when there is a general economic depression is a precarious source of livelihood. The revival of prosperity should improve their prospects. Such .of them as have I arm-, of their own are quite well to do.” .Mr Sastri also goes info the questions of temporary permits for radians •or visits for the purpose of pleasure, education, or commerce, and the issue ot passports, both of which he settled with the • Government to his satis faction. NEED FOR A CONSULAR OFFICER "I should like to dwell on one I'ea- ! 'tre ot the situation which affects Indians both in Austialia and New Zealand,” says .Mr Sastri in conclusion, “and which to my mind calls fop immcdniii' improvement. It is the abs ‘-’i>cc "i a ( o-nrdina i ing and protecting ogeesv which could help the Indian cummutur \ to realise its existence aa corpo:-::it entity, and assist indit fduai ne-mhor- of the community in combat in; difficulties which arise from ■by. to ils c. Neil tier in Australia nor in New Zealand do Indians possess suflicieiit cducalioii to lake care themselves. '! hev are sraUs’ivd over .1 very wide area: tiny are drawn from vaiious classes, and they lack the equipment tor organised effort. The Dominion authorities with the host will in the world cannot, help them to overcome the shortcomings defective education. . . Other countries provide the necessary aid to their nationals in the person of a. Consular Officer. India maintains no such agency in the Dominions. Doubtless tl.e'la dian population both in Australia and New Zealand will, in future, probnbh be a. dwindling factor, but (bis ran oi its-if Is- no ju-itilication for a neglect of the interests of those who are th -i-e. Front several quarters i received sug-

gp.itions or requests that this deficiency should he supplied. Nothirg could is. of more effectual help to tfie Indian community in these distant lands than the presence ol a. vm pa the tie and dni> accredited representative of their country who was charg-d primarily with the duty of protecting their interests: nothing could latter s.iiootli over diffinilties '.vhi.-.-h, imi-t arise between (toe-

ornmenls: so far removed from out' «n----.ii".r tin? OovorumeuU of the l.\imir.inns find of India. If a urn! actor of Indians is appointed in Fiji, ii !: i>;a; I: L i it- ilu.-sll'lo To ill •.-! 111! i • the limit.': tinli nl Indian interest* in X< w land am! Australia in his jurisdiction. If snoli imi appointment he deferred, an alternative arrangement would seem to lit' to «!>!».iint an agent for tin? two Dominions; who might also combine with the duties of iinil actor tlioso of a Trade t teamis-doner if Id:, work as protector dot's not occupy all his time. Rut sumo action to help our nationals in thus.- i omiti ics seems to me to he

essential." "'li v Government <>l Xcw Zeeland

says Afr Sastri. with regard to the personal side of hi-, lour, “ had ’ueiic ct cry arrangement for our comfort, and hull, as iit erotic and official guide .Mr llisloji. who accompanied me ovoryv. lie re in the Dominion, was invaluable. The reception accorded by the civic authorities was also most generous and enthusiastic ; while nothin;; could eve cod tile courtesy shown me by their Fxcelloui ics the Governor-Genera! and i.adv Jeliicoc. Everywhere 1 saw manife-1 aLions or svinpathy for India and her people and a genuine desire to c- tiddi: a friendly understanding hciw-en the two parts of the Empire by the removal of outstanding: difference.-'."