D.—9

1928. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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

Sir, — Department of Immigration, 10th July, 1928. 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 1927-28. I have, &c, H. D. Thomson, Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Immigration, Wellington.

REPORT. Owing to the conditions existing in New Zealand during the past twelve months, the question of migration is one which has been receiving, and is still receiving, the earnest consideration of the Government. The policy adopted in the special circumstances existing has been to curtail the rate of assisted migration to the Dominion, and it has been decided that this policy shall remain in force until such time as a material improvement in the present economic situation will permit of some relaxation. The question of migration in relation to unemployment has been closely watched, and, although any sudden curtailment could not be brought about without inflicting hardship in many cases, it was deemed advisable to restrict assisted passages to the following : (1) Separated families ; (2) domestics and single women ; (3) Flock House, Salvation Army, and Church of England boys. The number of assisted immigrants that have arrived in the Dominion during tho past year shows a decrease of 66 per cent, on the previous year's figures —in fact, the total is the smallest recorded since the year ending 31st March, 1920. The total number of arrivals in New Zealand from the United Kingdom and Ireland during the year ended 31st March, 1928, was 6,197 (3,139 males and 3,058 females). Out of the total number of persons arriving—namely, 6,197 —3,822 were assisted to New Zealand by the Imperial and New Zealand Governments. The number of assisted immigrants is made up of persons nominated from New Zealand and, of persons themselves applying for assisted passages in London. During the year the following steamers brought out assisted immigrants : —

Total Passengers.

Vessel. Date of Arrival. Men. Women. Childron. Total. I Painui tlataroa iiawa Hotorua Corinthic . . iemuera . . ionic itimutaka .. 5/4/27 3/5/27 8/5/27 13/5/27 1/6/27 11/6/27 29/6/27 21/7/27 25/7/27 11/8/27 4/8/27 4/9/27 5/4/27 3/5/27 8/5/27 13/5/27 1/6/27 11/6/27 29/6/27 21/7/27 25/7/27 11/8/27 4/8/27 4/9/27 128 178 70 32 13 43 20 11 67 16 1 15 128 178 70 32 13 43 20 11 67 16 1 15 73 127 102 80 44 25 47 24 64 45 56 73 127 102 80 44 25 47 24 64 45 113 134 137 73 28 38 31 19 76 51 26 113 134 137 73 28 38 31 19 76 51 314 439 309 185 85 106 98 54 207 112 1 97 Camaroa . . Ruahine 3 ort Hunter Cainui 56 26