§ 11. Dr. SALTERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that young lads of 17 and 18 years of age, emigrated to Australia under the Government-assisted emigration scheme, are writing home complaining that, though their farmer employers are under contract to pay them wages of 15s. to £1 per week, they are not receiving any money; that in some cases they are penniless, without proper clothes and boots and with no means whatever of obtaining these necessaries; that some are in remote up-country stations, unable to get any assistance or advice; that some complain that they are being knocked about and ill-treated; that they have to work from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; that they describe the conditions as like slavery; and whether he will inquire immediately by cable as to the state of health, working conditions, and the non-payment of wages to Arthur Sullivan, care of A. F. Habel, Loxton, South Australia, who, in a letter to his mother, alleges that his employer is treating him badly, that the farmers are taking advantage of his and other boys' helpless position, that his clothes and boots are quite worn out, that the immigration officer has forgotten all about him, that he cannot leave or extricate himself because he is many miles from town, 1886 has no means whatever, and is absolutely penniless?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)During the past two years, 2,500 boys have been assisted to proceed to Australia, and have been placed with farmers, in order to gain experience of work upon the land. Only 12 complaints have reached the authorities in this country during that period. They referred to the loneliness, the unsatisfactory accommodation and the food. On investigation they were mostly found to be frivolous. No complaints have been received of the nature indicated in the question. On the other hand, numbers of letters have reached the Oversea Settlement Office expressing satisfaction at the conditions. I have instituted inquiries regarding the case of Arthur Sullivan. It would facilitate these inquiries if the hon. Member would furnish me with any information which may be in his possession.
§ Captain BERKELEYIs there any representative of the Oversea Settlement Committee in Australia, and what control has the Oversea Settlement Committee here over the immigration officers referred to in the question?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYThe Oversea Settlement Committee has representative in Australia.
§ Captain BERKELEYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the propriety of arranging for such representation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYWe have a delegation in Australia which is going into that and other questions.