Land Purchases

Recently there was publicity given, as a result of a question asked in the House of Representatives, to acquisitions of land by aliens. (Note that the figures published referred to "aliens," of which the refugees, in any case, comprise a very small part). When analysed, and compared with total purchases for the same period, the figures disclose what little effect such transactions could have on the economy of New Zealand. It should also be remembered that since the introduction of the Land Purchase Emergency Regulations in March, 1942, all purchases by aliens have been subject to the consent of the Minister of Justice, and, we understand, have been subjected also to the scrutiny of the Security Department, the Lands Department and the Rehabilitation authorities. The following is a comparative table of alien purchases from 1st April, 1942, to 30th November, 1944 (when The question was asked) and total purchases for New Zealand.

In spite of the obvious inference to be drawn from these comparisons, we find the official organ of the Returned Servicemen's Association (July) referring to them as disclosing "a reprehensible stale of affairs." Other expressions used were "crass inepitude of the Government and its disregard for the representations of the ex-servicemen's association." Such extravagant criticism, in our view, is unjustified. We must not underestimate the debt we owe to our returned servicemen, and the great tasks of rehabilitation that lie ahead. The Government in New Zealand has not been lacking in a sense of responsibility and has a record of achievement in its rehabilitation policy that will bear comparison with any other country in the world. But to assert that the refugees are a potential danger is unsupported by the facts. Fortunately there is evidence that a number of branches do not support the recent expulsion proposals, and indeed the Christchurch Branch has publicly disassociated itself from such resolution. By contrast it is satisfactory to note the attitude of returned men