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Session 11. 1918. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION (ANNUAL REPORT OF).

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

g IE Department of Immigration, Wellington, 20th August, 1918. 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 1917-18. Owing to the continuance of the war there has been considerable falling-off in the number of immigrants arriving in the Dominion during the past twelve months. The assisted immigration has been practically confined to wives and families of members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Since the close of the year ended 31st March last there has been a considerable increase in the cost of fares from England to New Zealand, and the following figures show the comparison between the pre-war and present-day cost of third-class passages to New Zealand :— Pre-war. Present Day. £ £ Third-class 6 berth .. .. ■■ ■•• •• ..19 37 4 . .. .. .. .. ..21 39 2 . .. .. .. .. ..23 41 The increase in fares has necessitated new arrangements being made in order that assistance may be given to wives and families of New Zealand soldiers, and an arrangement has therefore been made with the Defence Department whereby an equal share of the increased cost is to be borne by the two Departments. Provided that the necessary accommodation is available, it is anticipated that there will be some hundreds taking advantage of the assistance under this arrangement during the coming year. During the past year the Department has dealt with a large number of inquiries from residents in the Dominion in regard to the present immigration policy, and also inquiries respecting settlement from India, America, Canada, and South Africa. In addition to carrying out the ordinary departmental work, I have been able to grant assistance to the Government Statistician in connection with census work ; and also an officer of this Department has rendered valuable assistance to the Director of Base Records in connection with Defence work. The total number of arrivals in New Zealand from the United Kingdom during the year ended the 31st March 19J§, was 2,066. Out of the total number of persons arriving—namely, 2,066 —171 were assisted to New Zealand by the Government. The number of assisted immigrants is made up of persons nominated from New Zealand and of persons themselves applying for assisted passages in London,