PROBLEMS OF AUSTRALIA

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1927, Page 4

PROBLEMS OF AUSTRALIA

LM AUG RATION OF BOYS. Jn the opinion of Sir Frank Clarke, the " Big Brother'’’ movement is proving a great aid in the solution of Australia’s problem ot want of population. Sir Frank Clarke arrived at Wellington. yesterday from Sydney, lie is the president of the Legislative Council of Victoria, and amongst other pwitions he holds is that of director of the National Rank of Australasia. A brother of Sir Rupert Clarke, he has come to the Dominion oil a health-recruiting visit, and proposes to make an extended stay at Rotorua. in an interview with a "Dominion” representative the visitor mentioned that the Victorian. Government had recently passed a Distribution of Seats Act, under which the next elections would take place. ADVANCES TO WORKERS. Sir Frank Clarke went on to state that llu.' State Government of Victoria was now malting advances to workers for the erection of houses, the money being lent on long terms on the amortisation principle. The Commonwealth aullioi ides had also adopted a scheme on the same lines. Under the Victorian scheme the funds were provided by the Post Office Savings Bank, which was able to furnish the necessary stable practical business elements. 'I hoiisands of hollies, the visitor said, had already been erected in Victoria under this system, and the legislation was working most successfully. "BIG BROTHER” SCHEAfE. I

The interview also touched on the question of immigration, ami the Victorian legislator suggested that Australia was now passing through the plume in that rcsneet that New /calami went through manv years ago. The pomilation problem was most pressing, as it was recognised that Australia could not he allowed to remain empty, hut must he occupied by an adequate white population. The question had hitherto been difficult of solution, Init after long consideration the authorities fluid decided that the most successful form of immigration was Ikelv to come about through the "Big Brother” movement. The scheme had so far been conducted on small lines, hut was already proving a great success. Sir Frank Clarke added that under this movement suitable hoys were selected in England, of ages front lo to IS years, and when they arrived in Australia a local man in good circumstances, known in connection with the plan ns the “big brother.” adopted the young immigrant as his ” little brother.” The former had not to find work for the lad, but had to assist by keeping in touch with him. and seeing that the farmer to whom ho was apprenticed gave him. a fair chance. A GREAT SUCCESS. Sir Frank Clarke remarked that Clio effect was. of course, largely psychological. The lad felt t hat he had an adopted ” big brother ” out here; and the parents in England, by the letters they received from the " big brother.” ns to their son's progress, acquired 'confidence in the agency controlling the matter, and became willing to allow others of the family to follow. While still in its infancy the movement had succeeded so well that the supply of immigrant bovs at present available exceeded the demand of the ' local absorbing agencies.

Sir Frank Clark stated, in conclusion. that, excepting; for assisted passages, the whole plan was quite independent of any help from the Government. The business men of the great rities were increasingly supporting the scheme, on account of the many successful examples that wore continually coming under the notice of the plan’s splendid results.