EMIGRANTS TO AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 June 1922, Page 5

EMIGRANTS TO AUSTRALIA.

QUESTION OF FITNESS. ALLEGATIONS DENIED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, May 30. Emigration officials, replying to press cables from Australia alleging that recent batches of immigrants include physically unfit, also many unwilling to become country workers, state that the allegations are either exaggerated or relate to a small percentage of cases which the moct rigorous regulations are unable entirely to eliminate.

The cables specially mentioned We»< tern Australia, regarding which the offi* cials point out that the regulations relating to that State are stricter thaa in other States. Western Australia excludes all applicants classified as having suffered war disabilities which the others accept. No applicant is accepted for Western Australia without reference to an official specially representing West Australia on the staff of Australia. House. He has power to veto any applicants, nevertheless West Australia is the only State which has complained since the department was established. Usually 90 per cent, of the applications are rejeoted and the balance of Id per cent, further reduced under rigorous medical inspection, first by British doctors, secondly by the department medical officer. The medical standard is more severe than for the army. With reference to unwilling country, workers the officials point out that every immigrant signs a declaration that he is prepared to undertake country work and must furnish documentary proofs that he possesses land-working experience. Sir James Mitchell. Premier of West Australia, who is in England, has received a cable from the New Settlers’ League at Perth alleging that the latest batches of immigrants are unsatisfactory and below the usual standard. He intends making inquiries. CABLEGRAM TO PREMIER. FROM WEST AUSTRALIA. Received May 31, 12.45 p.m. Perth, May 31. The New Settlers’ Branch of the Men’4 Association is sending a message to Sir; James Mitchell in London stating that' the latest batches of immigrants are unsatisfactory and far below the usual standard. It -stresses the urgent .need for stricter supervision. It is stated some are physically unsuitable and others are unwilling to adopt a country)* life.