DUTCH CARPENTERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1939, Page 6

DUTCH CARPENTERS

FIVE ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND FIRST STEP IN SCHEME OF IMMIGRATION. REPORTED GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT. AUCKLAND, This Day. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) As the first step in what is stated to be a new immigration scheme sponsored by the Dutch and New Zealand governments, five young Dutchmen, qualified carpenters, arrived by the Monowai from Vancouver. They .are leaving this afternoon for Wellington, where they will be employed on State building projects. They are of a fine type, of athletic build, well educated and eager to reside in New Zealand. Two are engaged to be married and are sending later for their fiancees. Two have studied English in a correspondence course.

They were assisted with their fares by the Dutch Government, under an agreement stated to have been madp with the New Zealand Government, providing for the immigration of a large number of Dutch settlers, principally carpenters, skilled labourers, farm labourers and domestic servants. The scheme was described in an authoritative quarter today as important and comprehensive, though its application probably will be gradual. Reports are to be submitted to both governments on the suitability of the immigrants and on Dutch impressions of conditions in New Zealand. As work becomes available, the quota will be increased. A steady inflow is expected. The men were met" on the Monowai by a Government placement officer, Mr Elsbury and the Dutch Consul, Captain Bauer.