THE TRADE COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 231, 18 February 1913, Page 5

THE TRADE COMMISSION.

IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS. By Cable Press Association-—Copyright. 'Melbourne, February 37. Sir Edgar \ ineeji t has arrived. Interviewed, he said that the enquiries of the Trade Commission, of which lie is chairman. were not concerned with tariffs, hut would deal willi all questions in relation to trade, except tariffs. The Commission, lie said, had learned that eight years ago nearly 70 per cent, of the immigration from the United Kingdom was to foreign countries; now in per cent, was to the Dominions, principally Canada and Australia. This was satisfactory as far as it wont. Nobody doubted that the population of the Empire needed to be better distributed. I The question of bolter distribution was one with which the Commission was con'cerned. Sir Edgar Vincent considered that 90 per cent, of the immigrants to Australia benefited thereby. There must, no ! doubt, be a few malcontents who would be failures anywhere. Among the questions to be considered was the class of immigrants wanted in Australia. There was no idea in England of using Australia as a dumping ground .for'people not wanted at Home. Whether the best methods were employed, and whether the currents of immigration were directed in the best channels were anion" the questions investigated. ° Sir Edgar sails for New Zealand on Wednesday.

WELCOMED TO AUSTRALIA. Received 17. 0.40 p.m. Melbourne. February 17. At a welcome in the Town Hall to the Trade Commissioners. Mr. Hughes said that the people of the Empire had been pottering about like children or savages in the dark. We should realise that we have a relation to one another, and , that our loyalty is only useful if constant and continuous, and, in short, a factor. Wc in Australia were doiii" little more than scratching about with anaemic hands. Sir E. Vincent said the Commission marked a definite epoch in Imperial development. It was the first flying squadron attached to the mighty fleet of the Imperial Conference. Its mission was to visit the territory of all autonomous governments and consult with authorities on trade and commerce and with representatives of the Dominions, and lay the facts before the next Imperial Conference. '"There had," he said, "been allEngland elevens and all-Australian elevens, but this is the first time we now have an Empire eleven. We are here to co-operate with you. We desire to increase in an especial degree the interImperial trade."