The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1920. IMMIGRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 January 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1920. IMMIGRATION.

In the course of a recent statement made by Mr. Massey at Christchurch on the subject of immigration, he is reported to have stated that, after all the expeditionary forces had returned from England, as well as the other New Zealanders who went there to do other service, the Government would commence to take immigrants from the Old Country. The Premier further said , there were 2400 of these immigrants ready and waiting for a ship, with all arrangements made and passages paid, many of them being nominated by relatives in New Zealand. They were, he added, representative of all classes, some being domestic servants. It may be, therefore, assumed that a resumption of immigration will commence at no difitant date, and it is satisfactory i learn that a particularly good jot of new citizens for. the Dominion are awaiting the means of transport to this country. As most of them are from country districts it may be assumed they may be regarded as a general utility class, and it is a foregone conclusion that this comparatively small number will be speedily absorbed. The immigration statistics show that during the nine years from 1905 to 1913 the annual influx amounted on the average to 8600 immigrants, and still more were wanted. The stoppage of this stream during the war, and the loss of man power, have left a large gap that urgently needs filling in order to develop the resources of the country and render industrial expansion possible, so that it would be in the best interests of the country to secure a steady flow of immigrants at the rate of at least two thousand a month—more, if possible. It is well known that many thousands of people in Britain are anxious to emigrate to the Dominions, and much depends on the activity of the High Commissioner's department whether New Zealand obtains not only the full number of recruits that are needed, but also whether they are all of the right stamp. Now is the time for the Government to foster the manufacture of the Dominion's raw materials as part of the great development works that are needed to carry out the policy of increased production. In order to accomplish this it is necessary to secure from Britain men and women possessing skilled knowledge as expert workers, particularly in the textile industries, and it would be an excellent opportunity to secure a proportion of steady, reliable, young miners and able bodied men who have taken part in the war or been engaged on war work. As the British Government has undertaken to pay the passage money of any approved man or woman with war services, also, in the ease of married men, of their wives and children, intending emigrants will not be swayed, in chosing their destination, by the cost of the sea journey. That being so, it would seem to be the duty of the High Commissioner to spare no efforts in operating a propaganda campaign wherein the advantages of New Zealand are brought before the people in an attractive form. Apparently there is a pressing need for the reorganisation of the High Commissioner's office, and that need is recognised by the Prime Minister. Obviously, therefore, it should be undertaken at the earliest possible moment, or New Zealand may suffer seriously for the neglect. It is during the present transition period in Britain that the most effective immigration campaign can be carried out, and this fact cannot be too emphatically pressed on the attention of the Government. Thousands of men and women in Britain are to be had if the right means are adopted, and the Dominion needs all it can attract to these shores. It must be remembered that the effective man-power of New Zealand has suffered a loss of over 16,000 men who fell during the war, while many thousands have been wholly or partially incapacitated. The Government is well \iware of the falling-off in the population, and the need for not only making up the leeway, but also ensuring sufficient human power for rapidly expanding the producing power of the country, carrying out the public works that would facilitate settlement, and enable considerable strides to be taken towards increased progress and prosp;rity. It is not merely a question of regaining lost ground. Far more than that is required. As far as possible the Dominion should be self-contain-ed, hence the need for manufacturing industries and an organised development of the vast resources hitherto untouched because the aeesssarg man bud woman power*

has not "been available. The Government is faced with a serious responsibility that can only be acquitted by prompt, effective, and statesmanlike action.