There have been so many statements in the British Press
lately concerning the " lukewarm " welcome which awaits the " new chum " in Australia that many intending settlers have been nervous as to their reception. It is gratifying to learn from the Times, therefore, that the three hundred odd immigrants in the ' Themistocles,' which arrived at Albany (Western Australia) on March 8th, " were surprised and delighted at the cordial wek o.ne given them and the preparations made for their comfort, as they had been prepared by a section of the English Press for a most hostile greeting." The Daily Herald on Saturday last contained a significant article on migra- tion and, while rightly condemning the emigration to the Dominions_of townsmen for whom no job is waiting, remarked :— " The deputation that visited the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies yesterday raised points about emigration which we believe deserve consideration. The deputation asked for more instruction in agriculture and outdoor occupations. Another suggestion was to promote ' group settlement of families ' and ' to carry on rural industries on a co-operative basis.' Now, if emigration is to be discussed, it should certainly be discussed in this temper and on these lines. For it is by no means certain that Great Britain's industrial system will in the future be able to support our growing urban population. It does not support them at present, except by the miserable aid of the dole. And no one can feel confidence that we shall ever again command world-markets so extensively as we did in the late Victorian era. Even though we increase the spending power of the nation and so develop home trade, the possibility that the -people of this country may have more and more difficulty in finding work is one which we are bound to think about."
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