The Westport Times TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1873.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1111, 30 September 1873, Page 2

The Westport Times TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1873.

Tiik purposed compilation, by the Hon. Julius Yogel, of an official brochure;, setting forth, in elaborate record, the claim New Zealand has to take higher rank in public esteem in the Home countries than she has hitherto held as a popular field for immigration, has not been decided on a moment too soon In fact, had the spurt been put on earlier in the race with the sister colonies of the British Crown, to win the good opinion and confidence of the teeming masses of humanity which in the older countries of tho. world, are ever seeking an outlet, New Zealand might have achieved a position which she may now fail to attain for many years. The Grovernment system of immigration has hitherto been fitful and erratic in action, and consequently unsatisfactory in result. Coinpared with that of other governments it has appeared to be badly devised and insufficiently administered. The mass of Blue Book evidence laid before Parliament, and since circulated in every public library in New Zealand, concern ing the A pent-General's department, and the imbroglio between that functionary and the Ministry, present few facts to New Zealand readers that will be accepted as incentives to induce the immigration of Home acquaintances, n. r can the arrangements at this end of the line be deemed a counterpoise folder diction of duty at the other end. For instance the first page in the history of colonial experience by the " Berar" immigrants will not present Mew Zealand life in too glowing colors when the 'ale shall be read and pondered over by lingering ones at home, waiting good tidings before deciding to follow

in the waive of their more venturous acquaintances. Many apparent errors may of' course be explained away, and improved arrangements, judiciously carried into effect, will soon obliterate all recol'ection of past sins of omissi >n or commission, but the undeniable fact obtrudes itself that hitherto a'l that has been done or attempted to promote a steady stream of immigration has been puny in the extrem. compared to the results achieved by other colonies. Hence the idea of setting forth the attractions of the Colony in a popular form is good as an adjunct to the other proposed plan of the Cabinet, as sketched in a minute lately published. Namely, bringing out, free of cost, delegates from Friendly Societies, Working Men's Clubs, Laborers' Associations, and other kindred organisa tions, to report, from personal observation and enquiry, as to the advantages of this Colony. Always provided that the New Zealand Government will ensure that arrangements for the despatch of immigrants, and for their reception on arrival in any province of New Zealand, will at least be on a par with those existing in other colonies. Without this assurance books may be written, agents paid, and delegates conciliated in vain. The sturiy British workman and his co mates in anticipatory exile will not listen to the New Zealand charmer, " charm he never so wisely." Supposing, however, that the way may be made clear, all present defects in departmental arrangements remedied, and the official guide to New Zealand life compiled free from all e aggeration, and dealing only with well founded and easily proved facts, much good may be anticipated from its circulation, which will probably be great. An example of this may be found in the efforts of a similar nature made by the Canadian Government. By a report laid before the Canadian House of Commons it appears that during the past year 1,850,000 copies of various publications, all giving information concerning the Dominion, were distributed in Europe, and the result has been that immigration to Canada during the present year has increased nearly .100 per cent.