3

A.—7

Consideration has recently been given to a proposed extension of the scheme under which certain approved bodies—such as the Churches—may submit group or collective nominations, the nominators' responsibility being undertaken by the body as a whole. The object in view is to enable the Churches and other voluntary organizations overseas, working through local committees, to obtain guarantees of employment and accommodation from their members, and to allow them, through the official, channels, to nominate families on the strength of such guarantees. The voluntary societies would undertake to recruit the families in the United Kingdom. We believe that by this means the rate of migration can be considerably increased, and that the needs of the Dominion can be met in no better way at the present time. 6. Assisted Passages apart from the Nomination System.—Domestic workers other than those mentioned in the preceding paragraph arc chosen by the High Commissioner after application, and are sent to New Zealand under the supervision of one or more responsible matrons. On arrival in the Dominion they are met by women officers of the Immigration Department. Those with work already arranged, or with friends to whom they can go, are sent direct to their destination. Those without friends or work are in the first place accommodated at Young Women's Christian Association hostels. Each case is considered, and the girl is placed with an employer. During her twelve months' service the Superintendent keeps in touch with her by correspondence and, when necessary, gives her any advice she may require. The books of the Department are open for the registration of employers desiring the services of those domestics. Assisted passages are also available, without nomination, for special classes of workers who maybe particularly required in the Dominion. Such passages are restricted to those actually required to meet shortages in industry. Requirements are regulated by instructions from the New Zealand Government to the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. 7. Reception and Distribution of Settlers.—Provision is made by the Immigration Department for the reception of settlers on arrival; for the supply of any such information as they may require ; and for despatching them to their different destinations as speedily as possible. The usual method of dealing with the new-comers is as follows : — (a.) Immigration Officers proceed to the vessel with the Port Health Officer. (b.) Letters of advice are handed to each settler as he passes for health inspection. (c). Railway and coastal steamer tickets are issued in lieu of contract tickets. (d.) Accommodation is allotted, if required. (e.) Employment is provided, or particulars of the settlers' wishes are taken. (/.) Telegrams are taken for despatch to friends or employers. (g.) British Treasury notes are changed to New Zealand money at par. These preliminaries are completed before the vessel berths. After the landing of the settlers, Immigration Officers assist them to pass their luggage through the Customs, and departmental officers accompany them to connecting boats and trains. We have discussed these arrangements with the authorities, and are satisfied that they adequately meet existing requirements. 111. WELFARE ARRANGEMENTS. 8. Voluntary Organizations— (a.) Welfare League. —This is a league which interests itself in the general welfare of all newcomers within certain urban areas. Representatives of the league at Wellington expressed themselves willing to take up the matter of advising incoming farmers with capital as to the selection of land, so as to guard them against purchasing unprofitably. Such a body of voluntary advisers, having no interest in the sale of land, and to whom introductions could be given, would be of real help to young men without local experience but with a small amount of capital. Generally speaking, however, all settlers are advised to gain local experience by working on an existing fa.rm before attempting to start farming on their own account. (6.) The Salvation Army. —A keen interest is taken in the immigration question by the Salvation Army, and its organization is of great assistance in receiving and establishing many of the new-comers. During the last three years its officers have found accommodation for 4,519 immigrants and placed 960 in employment. (c.) The British Isles Club. —This club was opened in May last for the purpose of providing a reunion centre where Britishers already settled in the life of the community may get into touch with newcomers from the United Kingdom, may accord them a friendly welcome, and may advise and encourage them in their n ;w environment. The club is well supported and includes in its membership a number of experienced business men who readily assist those who desire to avail themselves of their services. One of the objects of the institution is to find suitable employment and accommodation for the new-comer, and considerable assistance has already been afforded to British migrants. The club hopes to be able to open up branches in other parts of the Dominion, and arrangements are now in progress to establish a branch at Wellington. All interested persons are cordially invited by the committee to communicate with the secretary of the club, Shortland Street, Auckland. (d.) The Young Women's Christian Association. —This association acts in co-operation with the Government in providing temporary accommodation for selected domestics workers and encourages