RESTRICTED IMMIGRATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3600, 17 February 1927, Page 3

RESTRICTED IMMIGRATION.

DURING WINTER MONTHS,

Wellington, February 15.

111 view of the present economic conditions in New Zealand, arrangments have been made to reduce to a ininininm during the winter months the number of assisted migrants from the United Kingdom to 'New Zealand. This information was contained in a statement made by the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) on his return to Wellington by the Makura yesterday. “The subject of 'oversea settlement,” stated the Prime Minister, “is one that has a distinct bearing on the economic life of the Empire. It is a fact that at the present time, at any rate, the white population of the Empire is not distributed to the best advantage, and there can be no doubt that the transfer of the surplus population of the United Kingdom to the Dominions would be beneficial.

“Great progress has been made in this direction, but in the ease of New Zealand, it is, of course, necessary to see that immigration is not allowed to become greater than the country can satisfactory 'absorb.

“We are, of course, anxious to proceed as far. as possible, but economic conditions in New Zealand at the present time have rendered necessary a reconsideralion of the volume of immigration, and it has been decided that during the winter months the number of assisted immigrants will be reduced to a minimum.

“Vhje greatest dare is already taken in the selection of the immigrants, and it is not proposed to relax in any way the standards that are considered necessary in the interests,, not only of this country, but of the immigrants themselves.”