NOT WANTED IN CANADA

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1930, Page 2

NOT WANTED IN CANADA

MIGRANTS RETURN.

EXCLUDED IN “PROSPERITY

WEEK.”

AUCKLAND, November 3.,

Ton of the twenty-eight New Zealanders and Australians who were refused permission to land in Canada from the Niagara on her last trip arrived at Auckland by the vesel to-day. With them were eight other migrants who had been excluded from Canada when they sought to land from the Aorangi a month previously. They complained bitterly of their treatment at the hands of the Canadian immigration authorities, and at the irony of being on parole in Vancouver during Canada’s “Prosperity Week,” when they were informed, by means of posters and other advertisements, that “The sun is rising on the greatest year of Canada’s prosperity.”

“Although no one in New Zealand or Australia appeared to be aware of the fact, the change in Canada’s policy of imposing greater restriction on the landing of migrants was made in August,” the spokesman of the party said. “One New Zealander took the precaution of making inquiries ill the proper quarters in Auckland, and he was told that he would require £SO landing capital. Sonic of the Australians were told that that the landing capital required was only £3O. There seemed to bs lack of certainty in regard to that question, but it left the p : ,l"i'ims quite free from worry, as each one possessed a sum well in advance of that which he was told he would require.”

First Sign of Trouble. The first premonition of trouble came when a Canadian immigration officer hoarded the Niagara at Victoria, and conducted a pielnninary examination of all those passengers on the vessel who were other than tourists or through passengers. He expressed the opinion that it would surprise him if many of those he had seen would ho allowed to stay in Canada. There would be a stringest examination by the immigration Commissioner next day. Dawn found the ship at Vancouver, and shortly after breakfast tiio paity was marched through the streets to the immigration barracks under guard it was noted with apprehension that the barracks, a- gloomy isolated building between the Canadian Pacific Railway shunting sheds and the waterfront, had iron barred windows. After a delay of some hours, the second and third class passengers who comprised the party were interviewed by the Immigration Commissioner. Six or seven who were able to convince the Commissioner were allowed to go about their business, but the others, a score in number, were told they would be brought before a board of inquiry later in the day.

Locked In. Two New Zealanders and an Australian were marched to one of the rooms or rather cells, on the third floor and locked in. Surprised when the key was turned on them they called for an explanation, but none was forthcoming. Later on the same day the board of inquiry commenced its investigations. Briefly the attitude of the board was that if one was seeking work there was a possibility that failure to find it might result in one becoming a charge upon an already over burdened State, and if one had a position to go to one was robbing a good Canadian of his employment. The question of landing capital was not raised, having nothing to do with the case.

TV hen the day of sailing came, Canada’s departing guests were herded down to the ship and locked in that part of the vessel expressively known as “Chinatown.” As the Niagara drew away from the wharf they were allowed up on deck, but they were again locked up in the same cabins when Victoria was in sight.