RECEPTION OF IMMIGRANTS.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1216, 2 October 1874, Page 4

RECEPTION OF IMMIGRANTS.

[WESITORT EVENING STAK.J The general authority from the Minister of Immigration for expenditure in connection with Immigration in the Province of Kelson, sanctions the payment of £l5O per annum to the local Immigration Officer, and sufficient salnrys to Oepot Mas'er and Matron, as also any other incidental expenses rendered necessary by circumstances. The depots are to bo kept in good serviceable repair, and under ordinary circumstances the- maintenance of immigrants is authorized for one week alter arrival or for a longer period il exceptionable circumstances rentier it necessary. All expenses of landing, wharfage and carriage of immigrants and luggage to the depot, and to country districts is also authorized, as also medical attendance and occasional pecuniary assistance tj meet want of means to proceed to places where employment is offered, loss of luggage, or insufficient outfit to suit climate. For monetary accommodation only are promissory notes to be taken for amount advanced, and in addition to being thus helped to make a fair start

in colonial life, advertisements in local papers of the clnss of immigrants requiring' employment and of hiring days, and places for hiring, are also authorized. It cannot he said that the new arrival is badly cared for or that he is unduly weighted in the handicap with his colonizod fellow-worker. Many of the older hands who still earn their bread hy the sweat of their brow would indued he glaif to change place* and chances of employment with new comers. The ship Chile now duo at Nelson will bring another addition to the population of Westport, for the majority of them will, in all probability, be sent on to the Coast, and although the depot accommodation here is but of the merest makeshift description, yet in other respects the immigrants will find little cause for complaint. Their predecessors by the Adamant will at least be able to bear witness that they have not been badly treated. There is a need for accommodation for families and the need has been increased by the pulling down of some of the few available houses to let, to save them from destruction, and it may be again urged that the erection of barrack accommoda-. tion should be provided for, either out of the Immigration vote at disposal of the Nelson Government, or by express sanction of the Immigration office.