IMMIGRATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10608, 5 June 1920, Page 6

IMMIGRATION

DESIRABLE SETTLERS DISCHARGED IMPERIAL SOLDIERS. During a discussion on immigra" iion problems by delegates of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association in conference, the repatriation committee submitted a resolution, "That in order to encourage the most desirable type of immigrant to the Dominion the benefits of the Repatriation Act should be extended to all Imperial soldiers who served in tho great war, and who have been approved by tins High in London As suitable settlers for New Zealand."

Mr W. E. Leadley (Christchurch* considered that it was only right that the men who had fought shoulder to shoulder with the New Zealanders should be given the advantage suggested, but that only men who were not too disabled to work should b« brought out, so that none of there. would become «, charge on the country. Unfortunately, badly-disabled men were being sent out by the Imperial Government at present. _ ETentually, the provisions of the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Act might be thrown open to them, but at present the advantages should be preserved to iiur own men. They should, however, have the advantages of the Repatriation Act.

Mr A. E. Andrews (Bay of Islands) suggested that the Imperial Government bo approached by New Zealand to allocate five millions for tho repatriation of Imperial soldiers to the Dominion, and the New Zealand Goveminent to have the right to administer the money on their behalf.

Eventually, it was resolved, ''That this question of ex-Imperial soldiers be referred to the Dominion executn « with a view to formulating a schema for the settlement of ex-Imperial soldiers in this country-; any recommendation to embody the suggestion regarding the Imperial authorities being approached for an allocation."