DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION (ANNUAL REPORT OF).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1921 Session I-II, D-09

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Session 11. 1921. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION (ANNUAL REPORT OF).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. • ,

Sir, — Department of Immigration, Wellington, 1st June, 1921. Herewith I have the honour to submit the annual report upon the immigration which has taken place into New Zealand from the United Kingdom during the year 1920-21. I have, &c!, H. D. Thomson, Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. Nosworthy. Minister of Immigration.

REPORT. It is gratifying for me to be able to state that there has been such a marked expansion of the immigration movement during the past twelve months, and that under the existing Government policy the statistical return quoted hereafter shows a record for the Dominion since the inception of assisted immigration. That such a large number has been absorbed without disturbing the industrial conditions of the Dominion is sufficient evidence as to the prosperity of the country and its capacity for absorbing immigrants of the right type. It has been stated from time to time in certain quarters that a large influx of immigrants would have a detrimental effect on the labour-market, and it was therefore deemed advisable to have a census taken in the early part of 1920 setting forth the number of registered factories in each trade or industry, the shortage of hands existing in these industries, together with the number of machines idle as the result of lack of operatives to work them. This return showed the number of factories registered in New Zealand to be 12,703, and the total labour shortage 12,937. The employers stated that they had exhausted all reasonable means in their power to obtain labour, and generally suggested that in immigration lay the chief remedy. At this date the repatriation of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force men was almost completed, and it was considered opportune to bring into force the new regulations governing the expansion of the then immigration policy considered necessary to deal with a most important problem —post-war immigration. Because of the fact that New Zealand is situated at such a great distance from the base whence our supply of immigrants is drawn, it is essential that none but the best quality should be despatched to our shores. The present policy—the main point of which is " open nomination " —ensures this result, for not only can private individuals take advantage of the reduction in passage-money offered under .this scheme, but also all employers of labour, and to the latter this is the most important factor, for it gives to all industries requiring skilled labour the privilege and opportunity of choosing their own requirements. This concession, which previously was restricted to only near.relatives (by blood or marriage) of the nominator, has already been taken advantage of by several employers, who recognize that not only do they benefit, but that the immigrant is immediately absorbed in an occupation profitable to himself and becomes a permanent asset to the 'country. This expansion of the past policy from restricted to open nomination has proved an unqualified success, as the year's figures go to show; but it was not due only to this fact that the number of immigrants far exceeds that of_any other year for the past forty years, for in addition it was considered

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advisable, firstly, to make certain concessions to different classes of labour most needed by the Dominion —viz., domestic servants, farm labourers, and miners—which were eligible under the applied-passage scheme, also to add such classes as artisans, mechanics, and bricklayers under this category of reducedrate passages ; and, secondly, to accept immigrants under the Imperial overseas-settlement scheme. In view of the fact that the object of this latter scheme is not generally known, I have to state that the Imperial Government appointed the Overseas-settlement Committee to deal with the problem of free emigration of ex-service men and women who had served in the recent war and who wished to settle within the Empire overseas. A large number of the best type of ex-service men have arrived in the Dominion under this free-passage scheme, and. those who required it have been found accommodation and suitable employment. The following are the conditions under which these passages are granted : — (1.) Application is made to the Imperial Overseas-settlement Committee for free passage to New Zealand. (2.) Duplicates of applications are then submitted to the High Commissioner for approval or otherwise. (3.) Upon receipt of the duplicate application the High Commissioner requests each applicant to supply a medical certificate, also two references of recommendation as a suitable settler for the Dominion. (4.) When the approval of the High Commissioner has been given the Imperial Overseassettlement Committee is advised accordingly, and they then issue a warrant-book of vouchers for train and boat tickets, also a document in lieu of passport. At the time of first acceptance of immigrants under this scheme the conditions regarding housing and employment existing in the Dominion were totally different from those of to-day, and it has, therefore, been found necessary not to accept any further applicants under this scheme "unless they are proceeding to assured accommodation and employment, thereby bringing them practically within the Government nominated policy. The total number of arrivals in New Zealand from the United Kingdom during the year ended 31st March, 1921, was 14,444, consisting of 6,832 males and 7,61.2 females. Out of the total number of persons arriving—viz., 14,444 —4,821 were assisted by the New Zealand Government, and 5,286 by tho British Government under tho Imperial overseas-settlement scheme. The number assisted by the New Zealand Government is made up of persons nominated in tho Dominion, totalling 3,670, and of persons applying themselves for assisted passages in London, totalling 1,1.51. During the year twenty-seven steamers brought out assisted immigrants as follows : —

Arrived in New Zealand. Vessel. Nominated Passengers. Overseas - settlement Passengers. Total. April Tainui Corinthic Remuera Ionic .. Paparoa. Arawa Ruahine Mahana Rimutaka Ruapehu Athenic Corinthic Mamari Tainui Remuera Ionic .. Dorset Arawa Paparoa Pakeha Ruahine Athenic Otarama Rimutaka Ruapehu Corinthic Waimana t t 221 194 87 180 94 146 133 742 86 51 188 208 305 254 136 180 231 115 93 623 53 31 182 162 90 35 1 26 24 96 85 102 111 143 134 79 81 170 200 122 104 195 201 15 146 74 163 261 64 59 56 115 85 911 1,464 247 218 183 265 196 257 276 876 165 132 358 408 427 358 331 381 246 261 167 786 314 95 241 218 205 120 912 1,464 May .. 55 * • • • 55 June July 5, . . • • August ;; * * September ;; October November December j? • • January 5) * * 3? • * February j? * • March .. ,, Indirect routes .. Total 4,821 4,821 5.286 10,107

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The distribution of immigrants under tho headings of nominated and overseas-settlement passages is as follows : —

Summary. Men. Women. Children. Total. Nominated passengers .. .. .. .. .. .1,031 2,633 1,157 4,821 Overseas-settlement passengers (direct) .. .. .. 1,856 920 1,046 3,822 Overseas-settlement passengers (indirect) .. .. .. 774 344 346 1,464 3,661 3,897 2,549 10,107 Distribution of Grand Total. Auckland .. .. ..3,173 Southland .. .. .. 348 Canterbury .. .. ..1,276 Taranaki .. .. .. 573 Hawke'sßay.. .. .. 533 Wellington .. .. ..2,390 Marlborough .. . . . . 202 Westland .. .. .. 276 Nelson .. .. . . 277 Indefinite .. .. .. 204 Otago .. .. .. 855 10,107 North Island .. .. .. .. 6,669 South Island .. .. .. ..3,234 Indefinite .. .. .. .. .. '204 10,107

Table showing the Number of Assisted Immigrants introduced into the Dominion during the past Ten Years.

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The distributi passages is as folio on of immigrants mi :er t: icai lings if nominate' au overseas-settlement ws :— I Nominated. Overs Passe] leas-settlement ngers (Direct). O verse l>! (I ias-sel.1 isseng( ndirec lenient irs ;)• Tot settlemi Total Overseas,'ttlement Passengers. District. a d g it K d I d S it H > 3 IS o d d a o d it -a o d d g S is o Auckland Canterbury Hawke's Bay Marlborough Nelson Otago Southland Taranaki Wellington Westland Indefinite 354 131 54 29 31 78 39 47 238 30 354 131 54 29 31 78 39 47 238 30 863 397 356 158 99 46 41 1.8 53 24 202 J 04 82 41 107 66 789 271 41 32 506 223 127 44 70 162 78 162 381 103 286 118 48 21 28 82 35 71 202 29 335 139 61 23 39 110 40 68 203 28 208 83 55 11 15 50 14 38 159 6 135 114 36 21 4 9 30 8 8 70 3 41 110 32 22 1.1 8 37 11 6 77 4: 28 714 306 182 55 85 212 92 200 540 109 135 400 154 69 25 37 112 43 79 272 32 41 445 171 83 34 47 147 51, 74 280 32 28 Totals 1,031 i 2,633 1,157 1,856 920 1,046 J 774 344 I 34.6 2,630 1,264 1,392 I 4,827 3,822 ,464 ,o7To7 Summary. Men. Women. Children. Total. Nominated passengers .. .. .. .. .. 1,031 2,633 1,157 4,821 Overseas-settlement passengers (direct) .. .. ..1,856 920 1,046 3,822 Overseas-settlement passengers (indirect) .. .. .. 774 344 346 1,464 3,661 3,897 2,549 10,107 Distribution of Grand Total. Auckland .. .. ..3,173 Southland .. .. .. 348 Canterbury .. .. ..1,276 Taranaki .. .. .. 573 Hawke's Bay.. .. .. 533 Wellington .. .. ..2,390 Marlborough .. . . . . 202 Westland .. .. .. 276 Nelson .. .. .. 277 Indefinite .. .. .. 204 Otago .. .. .. 855 10,107 North Island .. .. .. .. 6,669 South Island .. .. .. ..3,234 Indefinite .. .. .. .. .. 204 10,107 Table showing the Number of Assisted Immigrants introduced into the Dominion during the past Ten Years. , 7 A ,. i- T ,i Nominated from Overseas-settlement r P „i„,„ Year. Applied in London. New Zcaland . Passengers. Lotals - Year. 912 .913 914 915 916 917 918 919 920 921 1,728 1,797 2,309 867 229 123 1,572 2,131 2,755 2,119 874 515 171 906 3,811 3,670 3,300 3,928 5.064 2,986 1,103 638 171 906 3.811 10,107 1,151 5,286 i— n

The distributi passages is as folio on of immigrants mi :er t: icai lings if nominate' au overseas-settlement ws :— I Nominated. Overs Passe] leas-settlement ngers (Direct). O verse l>! (I ias-sel.1 isseng( ndirec lenient irs ;)• Tot settlemi Total Overseas,'ttlement Passengers. District. a d g it K d I d S it H > 3 IS o d d a o d it -a o d d g S is o Auckland Canterbury Hawke's Bay Marlborough Nelson Otago Southland Taranaki Wellington Westland Indefinite 354 131 54 29 31 78 39 47 238 30 354 131 54 29 31 78 39 47 238 30 863 397 356 158 99 46 41 1.8 53 24 202 J 04 82 41 107 66 789 271 41 32 506 223 127 44 70 162 78 162 381 103 286 118 48 21 28 82 35 71 202 29 335 139 61 23 39 110 40 68 203 28 208 83 55 11 15 50 14 38 159 6 135 114 36 21 4 9 30 8 8 70 3 41 110 32 22 1.1 8 37 11 6 77 4: 28 714 306 182 55 85 212 92 200 540 109 135 400 154 69 25 37 112 43 79 272 32 41 445 171 83 34 47 147 51, 74 280 32 28 Totals 1,031 i 2,633 1,157 1,856 920 1,046 J 774 344 I 34.6 2,630 1,264 1,392 I 4,827 3,822 ,464 ,o7To7 Summary. Men. Women. Children. Total. Nominated passengers .. .. .. .. .. 1,031 2,633 1,157 4,821 Overseas-settlement passengers (direct) .. .. ..1,856 920 1,046 3,822 Overseas-settlement passengers (indirect) .. .. .. 774 344 346 1,464 3,661 3,897 2,549 10,107 Distribution of Grand Total. Auckland .. .. ..3,173 Southland .. .. .. 348 Canterbury .. .. ..1,276 Taranaki .. .. .. 573 Hawke's Bay.. .. .. 533 Wellington .. .. ..2,390 Marlborough .. . . . . 202 Westland .. .. .. 276 Nelson .. .. .. 277 Indefinite .. .. .. 204 Otago .. .. .. 855 10,107 North Island .. .. .. .. 6,669 South Island .. .. .. ..3,234 Indefinite .. .. .. .. .. 204 10,107 Table showing the Number of Assisted Immigrants introduced into the Dominion during the past Ten Years. , 7 A ,. i- T ,i Nominated from Overseas-settlement r P „i„,„ Year. Applied in London. New Zcaland . Passengers. Lotals - Year. 912 .913 914 915 916 917 918 919 920 921 1,728 1,797 2,309 867 229 123 1,572 2,131 2,755 2,119 874 515 171 906 3,811 3,670 3,300 3,928 5.064 2,986 1,103 638 171 906 3.811 10,107 1,151 5,286 i— n

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The Meeting and Transhipment of Immigrants on Arrival. The reception of the immigrants in the country of their adoption, the information required, the handling and quick despatch to their different destinations after a long sea-voyage, are all points which have been carefully considered by the Department. In order to give effect to this method of dealing with the new-comers the following systenv has been adopted : — (1.) The Immigration officers proceed to the vessel with the Port Health Officer. (2.) Letters from friends, together with instructions from the Department, are handed, to each immigrant as he passes for health inspection. (3.) Railway and boat tickets are issued in lieu of contract tickets. (4.) Accommodation allotted if required. (5.) Employment given, or particulars taken. (6.) Wires taken for despatch to friends or employers. (7.) English money changed to Now Zealand money at par. (8.) Any further information given if required. (This work is all completed before the vessel berths.) (9.) Immigration officers attend and assist immigrants to got their baggage passed by the Customs, and, in the case of domestics, undertake the whole of this work. (10.) Connecting boats and trains are attended by departmental officers. Housing and Employment of Immigrants. The method adopted by the Department in fulfilling these two important functions has proved singularly successful notwithstanding the fact that there has been a shortage of residential houses and accommodation. lam able to report that not in one single case of assisted or overseas-settle-ment immigrants can it be said that the Department was unable to supply accommodation immediately upon arrival and to offer employment within forty-eight hours of entrance into tlie Dominion. It was early realized that, with tho prospect of a largo influx of immigrants under the Imperial scheme, who had neither friends nor employment to proceed to, the two most important fa.ctors in dealing with this class were-—firstly, accommodation, and, secondly, employment. As the Department has no branch offices, it was found necessary, at other than the port of arrival, to make provision for meeting the new-comer at his destination and conducting him to suitable accommodation. This work was entrusted to the Salvation Army, whose organization is not only established in the towns, but also penetrates every country district. The thoroughness with which its officers carried out their part of the work, under my supervision, contributed mainly to the above-stated result, and placed the Department in the position that it could readily deal with any accommodation emergency. The Departmental Employment Register, together with the assistance of the Auckland Branch of tho Farmers' Union, proved sufficient to enable every immigrant who required it to be offered suitable employment. Shipping : Passenger Rates and Booking-ports. There has been considerable improvement in tho shipping situation during tho year, although conditions are still far from normal. The shipping available for the large number of immigrants wishing to proceed to New Zealand was not sufficient to meet the demand —in fact, tho congestion became so acute that the High Commissioner found it necessary to make special arrangements for putting on additional ships, and his action had the effect of affording some relief, although there are still several thousand intending immigrants awaiting passages to the Dominion. The question of passage rates and the limitation of ports of booking recently imposed by the shipping companies for Government assisted passengers is one of the most important concerning immigration to-day. Even taking into consideration tho extra expense of running ships as compared with pre-war times, it is evident that the companies concerned seem to have overlooked the enormous amount of passage-money received annually from this source of revenue, and also that their homeward freights are obtained from the Dominion. Negotiations are are present proceeding to procure more favourable and satisfactory terms for the Government. Domestics. Owing to tho shortage of shipping accommodation the number proceeding under this heading has been small, but the outlook for the ensuing year gives promise of a constant flow of tins class of immigrant, the High Commissioner having already received 1,500 applications for passages under this scheme. Immigration Literature. During the war and the long period of repatriation of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force there was no necessity for the encouragement of immigration, consequently the literature available to intending emigrants from England was limited and became out of date. Urgent requests for suitable up-to-date literature were received from the Hon. Sir James Allen upon taking up the position of High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, and a comprehensive plan of publicity was approved by you, a portion of which has already been carried out. The scheme of immigration literature provides for the issue of an attractive general booklet on New Zealand, containing all the information required by an intending immigrant in regard to conditions of living in New Zealand, educational facilities, social life, productive activities, and the general character of the people and country. This booklet is suitable as a reply to all inquiries from intending immigrants, and it is printed in an attractive style, comparing favourably with the literature circulated among this class by other countries seeking immigrants.

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A subsidiary series of booklets, smaller in size, but prepared with equal care and attention to good appearance, deals specifically with various phases of occupations in which intending immigrants may find scope in New Zealand. Those comprise " Dairying in New Zealand "; " Tho Pastoral Industry in Now Zealand " ; " Agriculture in Now Zealand " ; " Fruitgrowing, Beekeeping, Poultryfarming, Horticulture in Now Zealand " ; and " Industrial New Zealand," the last-named dealing with tho openings for immigrants other than on the land. A considerable economy is secured by means of this scheme of specialized booklets, as an immigrant intending to go on the land is able to secure (in tho booklet entitled " New Zealand ") information of a general character about the Dominion, while his special requirements will be met by one or other of tho subsidiary booklets covering in detail the occupation which he desires to enter on arriving in the Dominion. The artisan, for instance, will be furnished with literature concerning tho trades and industries of tin; country, and will not be supplied with matter relating to land occupations in which ho is not interested. Tho booklets are very freely illustrated, as photographs are often more convincing than letterpress. The literary matter has been carefully compiled and written in an interesting manner, with an avoidance of statistical detail. Care has been taken to avoid exaggeration and overstatement, for the actual facts in regard to the resources of New Zealand, its productivity and its potentialities, are quite sufficient to indicate that it is an attractive country in which to settle. Conditions under which Passages may be obtained at Reduced Rates from United Kingdom to New Zealand. Nominated Passages : General. Permanent residents of the Dominion and bona fide New-Zealanders visiting the United Kingdom may nominate any person residing in the United Kingdom for an assisted passage to New Zealand under the following conditions : — 1. Provided that such person has not attained the age of fifty years. 2. Provided that such person has not resided in the Dominion for a period of at least five years immediately preceding nomination. 3. Provided that such person can supply to the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London satisfactory medical certificate and certificate of character. 4. Provided that, in the case of such person being married, nomination must include husband, •wife, and family (if any), except where a judicial separation exists or desertion is proved. 5. Provided that the nominator undertakes to make provision for maintenance and employment for such nominee after arrival in the Dominion, and also guarantees that such person will take up permanent residence in the Dominion. 6. All questions as to suitability of any such person nominated for an assisted passage to be decided by the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. 7. Provided that tho above conditions are complied with, an assisted passage will be granted at the following rates, such rates to be subject to revision should the occasion arise : Second-class three-berth, £67 per adult; third-class two-berth, £30 per adult; third-class four-berth, £26 per adult. 8. Children between three years and twelve years of age travelling with their parents are charged half-price. One child under three years of age in each family is taken free. A quarter fare is charged for each additional child under three years of ago. 9. Total amount of passage-money must be paid before a passage is booked. The money can be paid in New Zealand by the nominator, or in London by the nominee, or partly by both. 10. Passages can bo booked to the following ports in New Zealand : Wellington, Auckland, Lyttelton, Port Chalmers, Gisborne, Napier, Now Plymouth, Wanganui, Nelson, Picton, Westport, Greymouth, Hokitika, Timaru, Oamaru, and Bluff. 11. Nomiuated passages to he granted by direct route only. Special: Farm Labourers and Miners. In addition to the conditions set out as governing the general nominated passages, the following will apply to nominated persons under the above heading : — 1. Provided that such person is a bona fide farm labourer or minor and is employed as such at tho time of nomination, and that a written undertaking is given to follow such calling for at least twelve months after arrival in the Dominion. 2. Provided that such farm labourer or miner has not attained the age of forty-five years, but has attained the age of seventeen years. Fare : £10 per adult for third-class four- or six-berth cabin. Domestics. 1. Provided that such person is a bona fide domestic and is employed as such at the time of nomination, and a written undertaking is given to follow such calling for at least twelve months after arrival in the Dominion. 2. (a.) Provided that such person has not attained the age of forty years. (6.) Provided that such person has attained the age of eighteen years. Fare : Free third-class passage, and gratuity £2. Note.—" Domestic " means general servant, cook, house.maid, parlourmaid, waitress, laundress, nursemaid.

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Applied Passages. The High Commissioner may grant rcduced-rato passages to persons who arc bona fide artisans, mechanics, bricklayers—in fact, any skilled labourer who may from time to time be required for the Dominion. 1. Provided that such person is actually employed at his trade or calling at the time of application, and also gives an undertaking to engage in same for a period of at least twelve months after arrival in the Dominion. 2. Provided that such person has not attained the age of forty-five years, but has attained the age of seventeen years. 3. Provided that such person can comply with the general regulations as set out governing the nominated passages. Fares : Third-class four-berth, £26 per adult; third-class two-berth, £30 per adult. Farm Labourers and Miners. Farm labourers and minors may be granted reduced-rate passages under the same conditions as nominated passages under this heading. Fare : Third-class four- or six-berth, £10 per adult. Domestics. Domestics may bo granted reduced-rate passages under the same conditions as nominated passages under this heading. Faro : Free third-class passage, and gratuity £2.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (530 copies), £0 10s.

Authority : Mabcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington. —1921.

Price 6d.]