The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 1919. IMMIGRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 1919. IMMIGRATION.

The end of the war has brought the question of immigration into prominence, and this has been emphasised by the appointment of a delegation of British women war workers to visit the Dominions and spy out the land as to its attractions for emigrants. Both men and women workers are needed in New Zealand—needed in large aumbwa. sad tkag will fad here

conditions that are highly favorable to their well being. If intending emigrants from- Britain can be offered satisfactory inducements, and if care be .taken to secure only those of the best type of workers, the progress and prosperity of the Dominion will benefit very materially. There is ample room for the services of a considerable number of both men and women workers in New Zealand in order to carry out the urgent need for greater production, and to assist in the new industries which the development of our resources and' the enterprise of capitalists should institute. The war workers of the Motherland appear to be disinclined to settle down to sedentary occupations, and they are fixing their hopes on a larger measure of freedom that can only be obtained overseas, where there is plenty of room to breathe and an open air life is possible. It is astonishing how greatly the war and its work have changed the outlook of the masses in Britain. They have at last found out that they can cut adrift from their ordinary occupations and adapt themselves to new spheres of usefulness heretofore undreamed of, so it is only natural that their eyes are fixed on the lands from whence came to the Old Country in her hour of need the stalwart, virile sons of the Dominions with their sturdy independence and* manly bearing. The impression created by the sons of the Empire on the people of Britain was immediate and thorough, arid it is evidently bearing fruit in the desire to emigrate to the countries from which these citizen soldiers came. Much, however, will depend on the report of the delegation referred to, and that report must necessarily be governed'by the attitude of the Dominion|Government on the question of offering inducements. In considering this aspect of the question there has to be taken into account the fact that not only Avill New Zealand have "to meet competition from Australia and Canada, hut also the" efforts Britain is making to retain the services of those who are useful in enlarging production there. It is thus a question of who will make the most tempting bid for the best type of immigrants. So far as New Zealand is concerned the solution of the problem will depend on the policy of the Government of the day, and that policy has yet to be announced. If the delegation is to lie treated after the same fashion as was Sir Rider Haggard by Mr. Massey, it would not be surprising if the members shook the dust Zealand from off their feet, and journeyed .elsewhere for more encouragement, but if a disposition is shown towards serving the best interests of the Dominion by the introduction of an influx of needed workers; then ways and means will be found for securing is needed, or at least the inducements offered will be such as to appeal to the delegation as satisfactory. The opportunity is one that should be availed of, and only political exigencies stand between a gain to the Dominion and a loss. The Imperial Government recognises the existence of a desire on the part of many to emigrate, and has decided to grant free passages to ex-service men who are acceptable to the Dominions, and a simi-, lar promise has been made to the women who served in any of tfhe recognised women's corps, including the land army. The matter is one that should be regarded from a national standpoint, all side issues being eliminated. It is one of those problems that demand early solution, for if a satisfactory policy of immigration is arrived at there will need to be a special organisation to ensure that the new when the stream sets in, shall be treated satisfactorily before and after obtaining employment. Past operations of this nature cannot be taken as a guide, for conditions have been revolutionised, and if the best type of men and women are brought to the Dominion they must receive fitting treatment. One of the dominant features of a well regulated system of immigration is that the services of the emigrants are retained in the Empire. As New Zealand needs more workers it would be good policy on the part of the Government to clo all in its power to favorably impress the delegation of British women on their forthcoming- visit of inquiry, and to be able to point to an adequate solution of the housing problem in the near future. That is- a poiiat which materially .concerns an influx of new citizens who desire to get away from that insanitary and unhealthy existence which has had such a marked effect on the physical and moral development of the people. It is in the power of the Dominions, and it is in their interest, to strengthen the Empire and its resources by means of building up its man and women power and increasing production. Now is the time to take "advantage of the opportunity for this great work and the Government of New Zea land should see to it that it rises to the occasion and takes part in the forward move that means so smell for all concerned. ,

THE MEMBER FOR EGMONT. The announcement by Mr \ A Wilkinson, M.P., that lie will not become a candidate for the Egmont seat at the next election, comes as most unwelcome news, for he is exactly the type of man that the country needs in Parliament. It can readily bo understood that the head of a large business concern who takes a leading part in public affairs must necessarily make Hrge personal sacrifices, and there is no question that Mr Wilkinson has devoted his time with marked success, not only as regards the affairs of his country, but in local matters, wherein, his large experience, sound principles, active powers of initiative and foresight, aj? well as his keen grip on all matters affecting (lie community have gained for liim the position of a leader whose services cannot be spared without great loss ensuing, If there is one class urgently needed in the administration of public affairs it is the alert and reliable business men of breadth of view and determination. Mr Wilkinson has proved his worth, and afforded a striking example of ceaseless solicitude and activity over public affairs, always having the larger interests of the Dominion in the foreground but equally interested in advancing the best interests of his district and of those who have placed him in position of responsibility. His high ideals as to carrying out the trusts committed to his charge are well known. He is a man of sound progressive views, and throughout hia public and business life has demonstrated his altruistic principles ' by working whole-heartedly for the public, even at great sacrifice of his own interests. There is, of course, a limit to this self-sacrifice, and the fact that the member for Egmont has for so long a period given his time and attainments to the service of his fellows, makes it hard to press him to reconsider his decision., At the same time the problems that have now to be solved are of such a vital, nature that meii of his calibre are those on whom the future well-being of the country depends. We look to them as the soldiers look to their generals to win through, and it will be a distinct misfortune if their services are not available. Mr Wilkinson is not one to drop out of public life except for reasons which he regards as paramount. We can, howover, say'to him the samo words that were used to the manhood of the country on the outbreak of the war "Your country needs you," but he alone can decide. It is 1 to be hoped that ho will be induced to reconsider his decision and again place his services at the disposal of the country. In any event he must be accorded the highest praise for his past public work,, for he has set an example of which Toranaki and the whole Dominion may well be proud, and has earned the esteem and confidence of his fellows. Such men are all too rare, and that is why they can ill be spared.