THE Wairarapa Age. MORNING DAILY TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1908. EMIGRATION TO CANADA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9158, 4 August 1908, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age. MORNING DAILY TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1908. EMIGRATION TO CANADA.

Few questions are of greater practical importance to the Empire than that discussed Mackenzie King in his report on emigration to Canada from India, and the East generally. As Deputy-Minister of Labour for Canada he speaks with authority. He has had exceptional experience in regard to labour disputes and difficulties, and he has made the subject of emigration a special study. He went to England in pursuance of a recommendation of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, that he should confer with the British authorities, and as the result of a decision of the Governor-General in CouncilUhat "it is desirable that on this important subject there should be as complete an interchange of views between the uuthorities of Great Britain and Canada as may be possible, and that in reference to it there should b/3 a complete understanding between the Governments of the twu countries." Mr Mackenzie King's suggestions in all probability express accurately the dominant feeling of his countrymen and th« policy of the Canadian Government The

report emphasises an opinion as to emigration which is not fully appreciated by those who a little too lightly condemn the action of colonial Legislatures in this matter. Along with what may be called spontaneous emigration—people coming from distant countries in response to a demand tor their labour, and aware that high wages are to be got by all who can work—there is another form of emigration, almost unknown, at all events on any; large scale, until lately, but now an important fact. It is notorious that emigration from some countries \a Europe is to a great extent the result of the efforts of the great transport and shipping companies. They not only offer easy ' tei'ms but advertise freely the facili- ' ties which they provide. They publish seductive accounts of the blessings which await those who leave their homes. Such efforts are not confined tp Europe. The report im pressively reminds one that immigra- I tion is everywhere, but especially in I the colonies, entering into a new phase. A confidential memorandum, which is not published, accompanies Mr Mackenzie King's report, and we shall be surprised if the former does not state that which is the core and kernel of the matter. The colonies are not prepared to admit all comers to citizenship or permanent abode. It is clear that for a considerable time to come certain types of white labour will be welcomed not only in Canada but in most of the colonies. But there is anxiety—to outsiders it may seem at times exaggerated anxiety—as to the introduction of elements which, however likely to make efficient workers, are not calculated to make good citizens. It is not only the trade unionist who is jealous as to the introduction on a large scale of Orientals. He advocates, for one set of reasons, highly personal, a line of policy similar to that which others with a wider horizon and distinctly national aims in view also urge no less strongly. It was once the belief of a certain class of politicians at Home that race pre- ' judices and antipathies would gradually die out, that they would first expire in the most democratic communities, and would linger on, if at all, only in the old world. The exact reverse has so far taken place, and is likely to continue.