IMMIGRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 260, 26 March 1913, Page 5

IMMIGRATION.

TM I'I'DEXT MISREPRESEXTATIOX. Per Press Association. Wellington, Tuesday. Tu an interview with a Post representative to-day, Mr. Massey stated that in connection with the Government immigration policy the statement had been repeatedly made by the Opposition press and by one or two Opposition members, to the effect that it was the intention of the Government to bring 25.000 immigrants annually to Xew Zealand. That statement,, ho said, was an impudent misrepresentation of what lie said when speaking to a press representative some time ago. What he really said was that the country should be gaining 25,000 people each year by immigration—that is, by arrivals over departures —and that Xew Zealand could absorb that number, "and T believe wo could/' added Mr. Massey.

"always 011 tlie understanding that the people coming here were of the right class, but tliat is a different thing to saying (.lie Oovernment intended to introduce 25,001 l immigrants annually. The («oVTnnneiit has no intention of doing anything of the sort, but will continue its policy of encouraging men of the fanning clu.i'-i and suitable young people for domestic service."