IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 711, 10 July 1929, Page 8

IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS

THE opinions of a practical man oft“n shed revealing light on problems which appear unnecessarily complex to the mind of a theorist. The theorist, however sincere, is sometimes far tod dependent upon the doctrines that have become corner-stones of his faith, to bring himself to immediate contact with the heart of the problem to be faced. In New Zealand there are practical men who make occasional public utterances concerning vital problems, and of these, there is none more worthy of attention than the Governor-General irlr Charles Fergusson. His Excellency’s latest statement concerning the relationship between immigration and secondary industries is balanced, simple and thought-provoking. Speaking at the IVeilington Winter Show he said that the most effective way of advancing secondary industries was by the encouragement of immigration. From tha r point he expanded a series of irrefutable arguments. It. does not require a mind expert in economic theory to grasp the fact that New Zealand secondary industries depend upon their home market for immediate prosperity, and it is equally simple to see that the greater the home market, the greater will be the opportunity for industrial development. New Zealand's need is population, and there is no denying that our development in this respect has been far too tardy. With the exception of Newfoundland, our population increase is the lowest in the Empire. Yet, in May. 1927, it was found necessary to close down on assisted immigration. Sir Charles Fergusson, properly enough, laments the fact that There should be restriction upon the population of the Dominion at all. StilL it must be borne in mind that the only immigration restriction is placed upon the assisted migrant. The family that is independent enough to come to the Dominion on its own resources Ls welcomed, and should be welcomed, for the more of them to become established, particularly in rural areas, the better it is for the Dominion as a whole. There is, however, the probability that the restriction of assisted immigration has had the effect of making the desirable and necessary type of immigrant nervous about venturing overseas. The natural conclusion that such would reach is that conditions in New Zealand are far from satisfactory, and that is a false and damaging notion to have abroad. The migrant who is prepared to establish himself and take his share in the pioneering labour that is not yet completed will always be welcome, for it is his type which will help enlarge our home markets for secondary industry and make the general economic situation brighter for aIL