“LAND OF THE FREE”

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1921, Page 7

“LAND OF THE FREE”

THE SHROPSHIRE’S IMMIGRANTS. . ’WE ARE GLAD TO BE HERE.” “If this country is as good as we have been led to believe, we are glad to be here,” said a stockily-built farmer immigrant when stepping ashore on the arrival of the Shropshire at Wellington on Saturday. The speaker was one of 281 immigrants representing practically every trade, and from every part of England, Ireland and Scotland. In search of fresh woods and pastures new they had come to “the land of the free” in the hope of future prosperity and would scatter themselves to every part of the Dominion. The large number of immigrants were assisted by the New Zealand Government, 69 of the third-class had paid their own passages, and of the 83 Saloon immigrants all paid their own passages with the exception of five who were assisted by the Government. The majority of the immigrants have made their destination Wellington, there being 178 third class and 71 first class on the list; Auckland is to receive 58 third class and 9 first class; Port Chalmers 31; Dunedin, 1 third class and 2 first class.

Included in the list a few returned soldiers have also returned, having been released from special service. Seventytwo Irishmen, mostly farmers, also arrived, part of their passage being paid by the New Zealand Government. A fancy dress ball ended a pleasant voyage and was held the night before arrival.