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Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1925, Page 2

Mrc ii w as expected from the passage of the Empire ,Settlement Act passed some time ago by the British Parliament. But realisation of the expectations has been slow. In the cable news on Wednesday it was announced that a scheme had been prepared for settling •150,00!) migrants in Australia in the next ten years. Great Britain it is plain by the vast number of unemployed, is over populated, and it can lie well understood that Australia is under-populated. There is a great increase at Home, and a slow increase in Australia. The two countries may thus reciprocate in the matter with advantage to both The details of the nebeiae are not given, but the Minister for the Colonial Office states the proposal marks the'largest advance in Empire settlement since the passing ol the Empire Settlement Aet. The desirability of building tip where possible the population of various parts ol the Kmpiro is highly essential, for the problem is one ever present. The waste plates of the K lll pi re are numerous. and Australia offers a good held, but there should' be a workable scheme so as in ensure permanent, residence. Colonial life should afford attractions for the Home nouple. if the arrivals can liml suitable employment, and will settle down. It seems difficult to fix upon a satisfactory land policy iu ensure a good residential and producing population. New Zealand has tried various schemes hut nothing more satisfactory as regards sound results than the Liberal legislation of 1592 lor the compulsory acquirement ol large landed estates on equitable term- for closer sottlemeol. ha- been run ml. If New Zealand wer:* ri go bark in those first principles a- il were. the Dominion would soon b increasing its own prodo: Lion from ilie land and drawing more senior- as a natural eonsequeiiee.