DOMINION'S IMMIGRATION LAW.

Shannon News, 7 March 1924, Page 4

DOMINION'S IMMIGRATION LAW.

f —- A JOKE ON THE CUSTOMS.

A striking commentary on New Zealand's immigration law is contained in an article in the " Melbourne Age " last week by a recent visitor to the Dominion.

•'New Zealand has not yet got over the war," he writes. " The authorities are still very nervous and inquisitive It does not matter if you ar e jusl a tourist, having a look round they want to know all about you, why you are going there, and where your father and mother were born." The writer appends the answers he gave on the form given by the Customs authorities to fill in on arriving at Wellington:— . . ■ Name. —Claud Kitchener Mafeking, Ladysmith, Gollywog O'Rafferty. Age.—Approximately 116, but cannot remember now. Nationality.—Portuguese. . When and where were you naturalised ? —3rd August, at Vienna., Former Nationality.—Dutch. To what race of people.do you belong ?—Norfolk Islander. What is your occupation ?—Crusher of macadam f . Where were you born. —Connecticut, New Hedrides. Where Was your father born? — Two doors further down. Mother ?—Round the corner, by the pub. '"•■», What will your address be in New Zealand ?—2357, Bourke Street,' Melbourne.

Do you intend to become a permanent resident in New Zealand ? —For a week or so, yes. * , Are you single, married, widow or divorced ? —I don't know. I went through a form of marriage with a lady, but I have been informed that the cetebrator was not qualified for the job. If I really am married, I may at this moment be divorced or a widow My wife, if I have one, is suing .me for divorce. When I left, she. was about to undergo a serious operation from which she had no chance of recovering. I will let you know later. - What is the purpose of your visit ! —To discover how many dogs in New Zealand die of Bright's disease. v What is the date of your intended departure from New Zealand? —1 a.m. on 31st November, 1906. "I placed the document before a New Zealand Customs Official,*' says the writer, who is well known in Melbourne .' "He looked it over .without seeing it, and I skipped ashore. Later on I was told that every detective in New Zealand was looking for me." In a two-column article on New Zealand, h e describes Christchurch as the best town in : New Zealand, and says the cost of food everywhere is cheaper than in Australia. He says the cheapest meal in the world can be got in Wellington. '