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Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1928, Page 2

The number of assisted immigrants that have arrived in the Dominion during the past year shows a decrease of 60 per cent, on the previous year’s figures; in fact, the, total is the smallest recorded since the year ending March 31st 1920. says the annual report of the Immigration Department, presented to Parliament. The total number of arrivals in New Zealand from the United Kingdom and Ireland during the year ended March 31st. 1928 was 6197 (3139 males and 3058 females). Out of the total number of persons arriving 3822 were assisted to New Zealand by the Imperial and Now Zealand Governments. The number of assisted immigrants is made up of persons nominated from New Zealand and of persons themselves applying for assisted passages in London. The reportnotes that owing to the conditions existent in New Zealand during the past year the. question of migration is one which lias been receiving, and is still receiving, the earnest consideration of the Government. The policy adopted in the speci a 1 circumstances existing lias been to curtail the rate of assisted migration to the Dominion, and it lias been decided that this policy shall remain in force until such time as material improvement in the present economic situation will permit of some relaxation. The question of migration in relation to unemployment lias been closely watched, and although any sudden curtailment could not lie 'brought about without inflicting hardship in many cases, it was deemed advisable to restrict assisted passages to separated families, domestics, and single women, Flock House, Salvation Army, and Church of England boys.