After the War

Levin Daily Chronicle, 23 April 1918, Page 4

After the War

NEW ZEALAND'S FUTURE.

LONDON, February 19.

Tho difficulties of returning our armies to New Zealnad, which will probably bo no greater than those of Canada and Australia, should not be allowed to overshadow the desirability of attracting new people to our shores in the years following the first readjustment. New Zealand will always bo a bidder for quality in emigration ,if not for quantity, and there is to-day' a great deal of interest being shown in the Dominion by people of tho right class in England. Our soldiers in the British camps and hospitals have for three years been tho best apostles not only by what they say about tlieir native ; land, but what they are themselves, and very many people here, both soldiers and the relatives of soldiers, have almost made up their minds to emigrate to New Zealand when things settle down again. It is' to be feared that in one respect at least the New Zealand Government is not doing what it should do to cultivate and direct this interest in the right way. It is now more than ever accessary that emigration enquiries should be fostered and properly replied to. This is being done, but the High Commissioner's office should be kept supplied with abundance of suitable literature and illustrations. For some time past a shortage has been felt, particularly of the latter. That there is a lively demand for pictures of New Zealand scenery I know from the constant enquiries I receive, often from people who have been to the Government office in the Strand.

It is a short-sighted policy, when many people are turning their thoughts to New Zealand, not to bo able _ to satisfy their cravings for information, and the Government will bo well advised to keep the High Commissioner's office well furnished with tho illustrated publications for which our soldiers have created such a keen demand.