OUR DOMINION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1863, 10 August 1918, Page 1

OUR DOMINION.

IS IT EFFICIENTLY ADVERTISED? Chatting recently with the N.Z. ex-Trade Commissioner, Mr John Holmes, the question of immigration after the war was brought forward, and the writer stated to Mr Holmes that the advent of so many New Zealanders to the Old Country should do much to advertise this Dominion. “I don’t know,” said Mr Holmes, “whether it will do as much as you think it will. I consider that the country which is doing the most efficient advertising in Britain to-day is Canada. In every city of size there is a resident .Canadian Commissioner andTeeturer, who is supplied regularly with lantern views and data. In addition, he has a plentiful supply of postcard views, booklets, and other strong advertising matter.” Mr Holmes gave one the impression that New Zealand is not doing anything like enough in the way of efficient advertising in Britain. New Zealand wants at least ten times it’s present population, and she wants them quickly. To start prepartious for an immigration campaign after the war will be too late. A campaign should he formulated now, to take immediate control after the war. This country is an ideal one for the introduction of the small holdings sytem so much in vogue in parts of the Old World, and is constituted to maintain numerous inland towns and villages. With immigration on a large scale will come better roadways, and a more efficient railway system. It will bring in its train development of natural resources, such as Taranaki ironsand, and (he generation of electric energy from our rivers. Industries at present undreamt of will spring up and expand. Canals will link up rivers, and cheapen transportation. Present large -holdings will he broken up and made to support a hundred where they are now supporting ten. Vast areas of new country will he brought under the plough, and the prosperity will reign where desolation exists because of our present meagre population; If New Zealand is ever to become a power in the Pacific capable of exerting an influence in proportion to her' size, she will have to get busy on this question of immigration. Sooner or later this vital matter must be faced, and the whole question is of such importance that the sooner it is raised the lie)ter for (his Dominion. A leaf should he taken from Canada's hook of progress, and an energetic immigration campaign inaugurated in Britain with the idea of enrolling suitable folk to come out after the war. But this campaign should not he left entirely to (ho efforts of the High Commissioner and his staff. The best brains on advertising should be made use of, and agents set up all over the United Kingdom capable of supplying the best first-hand information on New Zealand. Australia, as well as Canada, will make big efforts to induce immigration after (he war, and wc in New Zealand must remember that this country is the furthest away from (he Homeland, and therefore special inducements will have to be held out to bring immigration to this Dominion.. It can he done if the inducement is good enough, and it is up to us to see that it is. New Zealand as a young nation cannot afford to ignore this crying need for population, and her future will he made or marred in accordance with the amount of energy she displays in her efforts to gain it. — Waikato Independent.