IMMIGRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 204, 17 January 1913, Page 2

IMMIGRATION.

ACTIVE POLICY TO BE PURSUED. Auckland, January 14. In the course of an interview at Dargaville the Prime Minister gave some information regarding the Government's policy respecting immigration. "We de- | cided," said <Mr. Massey, "to give Mr. "Bell a free hand in the matter of immigration, more especially as it comes within the scope of his functions as Minister of Internal Affairs. Formerly the i Immigration Department was directed by the Minister of Lands, but having that portfolio myself now I find my handß sufficiently full without dealing with immigration." Mr. Massey indicated that the Govern- : ment intended to pursue an active im- '■ migration policy. Matters in this connection had. he said, been somewhat slack during the last two or three years. He stated with satisfaction, however, that during the year just ended New Zealand had gained more by excess of arrivals over departures—something like ( 10,000—than she had in the two preceding years. That, he agreed, was not saying a great deal: nevertheless it was a gratifying tendency. WHAT WE SHOULD GAIN. "This country," said Mr. Massey, •'should be gaining at least 25,000 people each year by immigration." As he. spoke the Prime Minister was seated on the deck of a steamer proceeding up the expansive Wairoa river, and with a comprehensive wave of his hand he remarked that all the non-productive lands of the Far North should be settled with a farming population. Asked the source whence the Government intended to recruit immigrants, the Premier replied. "In England." He had been informed that the two batches of immigrants who had arrived durinir the past two or- three weeks, to the number of about 1100, were a sturdy lot, and calculated to make hardy settlers. That was the proper type to secure. FARMERS AND DOMESTICS. "We mean to encourage, men of the (arming class; also suitable young people for domestic service, as much as possible," said Mr. Massey. He further remarked that the present High Commissioner was well informed in regard fo the Government's desires in this matter. and under the enthusiastic direction oi the 11 on. Mr. Hell he anticipated good results. At last night's "social" at Dargaville Mr. Massey said he had just been advised that the total number of arrivals in Xew Zealand during the twelve months ended December .11 last was 44,000. as compared with 41,389 during 1911. and 7<io (luring 1910. The departures from New Zealand last year totalled 35.733 (showing a net gain or 8027); in 1911 the departures were 37.159 (a gain of 42011: and iu 1910 32.201 (leaving a gain of 3408).