FOREIGN SETTLERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1922, Page 5

FOREIGN SETTLERS.

ITALIANS IN AUSTRALIA. FLOODING THE MARKET. "AN OUTCRY RAISED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, Dec. 22. Recent arrivals of considerable numbers of Italian immigrants, while 400 more are due next week, is causing much outcry against unrestricted immigration while unemployment is rife throughout the Commonwealth, and the land hunger amongst prospective Australian and British settlers is far from satisfied. The claims made on behalf of the Italians are that the great bulk of them are agriculturists, and that they will prove a valuable asset to the development of the country. The State Government considered and rejected a scheme to establish an Italian colony in New South Wales. It is understood the Government’s immigration policy will be restricted as far as possible to British subjects. Labor organisations, who are strongly opposed to any scheme of unrestricted immigration, have circularised British and European organisations informing them of the present industrial stagnation, the rifeness of unemployment, and the parlous outlook for immigrants in Australia. The Italian Consul has announced that, if employment is not available for next week’s arrivals, he will advise their return. He has also warned the Italian authorities of the condition of affairs.

THE ITALIAN VIEWPOINT. VAST MAJORITY NOMINATED. MOSTLY RURAL WORKERS. Received Dec. 22, 8.30 p.m. London, Dec. 21. The Australian Press Association learns from the Italian Embassy that the vast majority of Italian migrants to Australia have been nominated by Italians already settled in the Commonwealth, chiefly working on the sugar plantations in Queensland and northern New South Wales. The migrants travel direct from Italy by Italian steamers, and the migration is supervised by an Italian emigration comnrssion, which ensures that the migrants are assured work or possess adequate means of sustenance pending employment. The Embassy discredits the reports that hundreds of Italians are without work and states it has received no complaints of unemployment or other hardship among Italian migrants, who do not settle in towns, but are essentially rural workers, and therefore the type of settler Australia seeks. The migration department at Australia House disclaims responsibility for the Italian migration.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.