NEW SETTLERS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1927, Page 3

NEW SETTLERS

-SUCCESSFUL ABSORPTION. The immigration returns for the year which ended on March 31 last •show that the total number of arrivals in the. Dominion Ir.nn the United Kingdom and Ireland was 14,943, comprising 8457 males and 0481) females. Of that number 11.239—the largest since 1880 —were assisted lo New Zealand by the Imperial and Dominion Governments. These details are contained in the annual report of the Department of Immigration (presented lo I’arliament) which affirms that the policy laid down in 1921 had been carried out in its entirety, the cnlv variation being that for the past year it wits found necessary to increase the annual quota from 10,01)0 to 13.500. * Singularly enough, the cause of the increase was the same as that which caused the decrease tin* previous year—congestion brought .about by the shipping strike of 1925. So great was the congestion tlml ill the beginning of 1920 some 40l!il approved migrants awaited embarkation, and as at that time nominations were being received at the rate of 13.000 per annum, it would be seen how necessary it was lor the Government to increase the numbers Lo the maximum of 13,500 for the year ending March 31. 1927. it being considered that that quota, could he absorbed without disturbing the economic or industrial conditions of the Dominion. Extra steamers had to make special trips, of which tire were made, carrying in all 3022 migrants, and that number practically represented the increase oil last year’s figures. Since the enactment of the Empire Settlement Act. 1922. New Zealand had received its contributions towards passage- money grants totalling £328,810 and loans amounting to £11.215 front the Imperial Government. Migrants had received £3987, comprising 1044 individual loans, of which 507 had been fully paid off, 365 were being paid off. 18 had been written off, and instalments outstanding oil the remaining 154 had not yet become dtte. “These figures,’’ states the report, “show that the Government has availed itself of the provisions of the Act. and that the result of the repayments of these loans is an indication that these migrants have been satislactorilt absorbed.”

The number of assisted immigrants .•bowed an increase ol 48 per cent over the previous year—in hut, the fatal was the highest since 13P0. Of the number 37 per cent were men, 30 per cent women, and 33 per cent t.iildren. Nearly all had been readily and satisfactorily absorbed, farmers lartn labourers. and miners accounted tor 14 per cent of the men’s total, and as they went direct to farms and mines, only 23 per cent of the total number of migrants came into competition lor other occupations in the labour market; and as they were nominated migrants positions awaited them on arrival in practically every case.