P.-9

1924. 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, 23rd June, 1924. Herewith 1 have the honour to submit the annual roport upon the immigration -which has taken place into New Zealand from the United Kingdom during the year 1923-24. I have, &c, H. D. Thomson, Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Immigration.

BEPOKT. In last year's report it was anticipated, that the passing of the Empire Settlement Act of 1922 by the Imperial Parliament would have the effect of stimulating the flow of British immigrants to our shores and greatly decreasing the cost of passage-money per capita. Owing chiefly to the fact that the new agreement between the Imperial and Dominion Governments did not come into force until the Ist July, 1923, it was impossible to place before the public of New Zealand the greatly reduced fares for assisted passages from the United Kingdom to the Dominion until the latter end of last year, and therefore there has been insufficient time to show on the year's working the anticipated increase in numbers of assisted immigrants arriving in the Dominion. However, the numbers have not only been maintained but show a slight increase. The migrants have all, with very few exceptions, been satisfactorily absorbed into the population without dislocation or disruption of the labour-market. Their reception has been one of kindness and cordiality, and tho hand of friendship and fellowship has boon extended on all sides. The reception of all immigrants to the land of their adoption has always been a special feature of the Department, and it is pleasing to be able to quote tho opinion of Mr., Fenton Macpherson, Special Commissioner in New Zealand and Australia to the Daily Chronicle, London, regarding immigration for British people in New Zealand. Tie writes that ho " was specially impressed with tho kindly considerate way immigrants were treated in New Zealand. There was an entire absence of fussy officialdom. Each family or individual was interviewed separately." If, as anticipated, the increase in numbers was not achieved the same cannot be said, regarding the reduction in passage-money per capita. The present agreement, which expires on the 31st

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