NEW SETTLERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1921, Page 5

NEW SETTLERS.

IMMIGRANTS FROM BRITAIN. SHIPPING POSITION IMPROVED. BETTER SELECTION URGED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Feb. 15, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 14. The annual report of the Overseas Settlement Committee says that the past year witnessed an improvement in the shipping situation, but special measures are still necessary on the Australasian routes to meet the situation. Complaints regarding third-class accommodation are partly attributable to many who formerly travelled in a superior class, but who now are compelled to travel third, owing to the increase in passenger rates, and partly due to the fact that passengers are less prepared than heretofore to face the discomforts of the cheapest ocean travel. There are still a considerable number of ex-service men unemployed in Britain. The policy of settlement and development which will stimulate production overseas is a measure which deserves consideration, though the relief given to ex-service men will be largely indirect.

It must be remembered that industrial conditions are abnormal, not only in Britain, but in the Dominions. It is clearly impossible for the self-governing .Dominions to receive the unemployed of the Mother Country, even if they are ex-service men, unless those Governments are satisfied that the men will find suitable employment overseas. In certain quarters overseas there is still a tendency to ignore the vital importance of careful selection, and a tendency’ to approach the matter too much witk the object of meeting the immediate labor requirements, and with too little regard for the well-being of the settlers.

No policy of Empire settlement can be successful unless settlers from the Mother Country receive a cordial welcome overseas, and unless settlers are placed on the land under an organised system of grants. Free passages for ex-service men and women worked well, and they will be extended further. During the year the number of applicants for free passages was 64.04’3, covering 130,000 persons, of whom 37,000 received free passages, 5429 men and 1051 women going to Australia, and 3547 men and 398 women going to New Zealand. The total commitments to date amount to £297,000, and the total sum at the disposal of the committee is £275,000. Owing to the war the excess of females in the United Kingdom between the ages of 15 and 45 is 1,250,000, compared with 566,000 in 1911, and the committee strongly favors the encouragement of the settlement of women overseas by State Aid. Many women who are not prepared to take up domestic service in the United Kingdom are prepared to go overseas, where service jnay lead to happier and fuller conditions ®f life than in the Mother Country. The settlement overseas of poor law and other suitable children is highly beneficial, and if the West Australian experiment with Dr. Barnardo boys is successful it is hoped similar schemes , will be developed elsewhere in Australia and New Zealand. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.