Perhaps you are living next door to the millionth migrant to come to Australia. Or maybe the house over the road will be purchased by the 500,000^th British migrant. At any rate, somewhere in your street there is probably a migrant family. The fact is that one out of every ten Australians is now a migrant (and half of these come from the United Kingdom).

      During the last ten years Australia, along with other countries, has opened her country to these new settlers. Migration has greatly benefited Australia. People have different reasons for encouraging migration. Agriculturalists and industrialists have an eye to manpower. Defence experts welcome an increase in population.

      Surely the predominant reason for bringing migrants here ought to be a humanitarian one. I believe this was so in the early stages of migration. Thousands of homeless people were given a new start. Australia for them became a "land of beginning again." But is our migration policy now being determined solely by labour needs? Recent statements made about increases in this year's quota suggest this. If so, then it is time to remind our Government that there are still many thousands in desperate situations. As Christians we ought to do what we can to help the

"Hard Core"

      These are the old, sick or invalid people. So far we have been reluctant to accept them. Their needs are great in most cases.

      It is true that the Government has permitted elderly relatives--particularly parents--of migrants to come here, provided permanent maintenance is promised for them. But if, e. g., a migrant desired to bring his mother or father here, and the parent is suffering from TB (or sometimes even less serious complaints) the chances of the parent migrating are remote-almost non-existent until they have been restored to good health, which may not be easy in their homeland. Likewise many other young and middle aged people suffering from TB through no fault of their own-are not allowed to come. The reason given is that we have no facilities to cure them. Yet only just recently in Tasmania a TB institution was on the point of closing because no patients were available. Many of these sick, old, handicapped migrants are Christian people, and the World Council of Churches (and other Church bodies, e. g., Lutheran and Roman Catholic) through its Re-Settlement scheme has been trying to have them admitted.

      The percentage the Government has allowed in is very small, (i. e., in comparison with the number wishing to migrate, and also with the number of migrants we have admitted). The W.C.C. also helps pay the fares in some cases. Other countries like Belgium and Norway, (the latter having a much smaller population than we have) can put us to shame. Belgium has admitted blind migrants, Norway TB sufferers, and so on.

      We could tell pathetic stories of "hard core" people wanting to migrate here, often to be with their children, but permission is refused.

      We have already stated that migration has been a benefit to this country, and we should encourage migrants to continue coming. After all, we are migrants, or the descendants of migrants ourselves (unless we are of aboriginal descent). We have benefited culturally by these people, coming from different cultures. We have obviously benefited economically. Further we have established good relationships with the former homelands of these migrants.

      But let us freely admit that there have been, and still are, problems. The process of

Assimilation

      has not always been easy. A word of commendation for the Good Neighbour Councils (and New Settlers' Leagues) is not out of place. These people, most of them voluntary workers, have done a magnificent job in assisting migrants. Actually the word "assimilate" is not a good one. It suggests that the "Australianised"--leaving behind the past and accepting fully our way of life. But surely these new settlers have some things to share with us, and naturally will want to retain some aspects of their former way of life?

      We would agree that all should be strongly encouraged to master the English language. This has been problem particularly among the married women who often have little contact with "old" Australians. Perhaps some migrants have not sincerely endeavoured to grasp our language, but on the whole good progress has been made. Many migrants have shown amazing ability in learning English in a short time, and they are given every assistance by Education Departments, the A.B.C., and other organisations.

      Another problem has been the high proportion of males among migrants. Also there have been uneconomic uses of manpower--skilled labourers or professional men doing unskilled work. The position of housing on arrival has not always been satisfactory. These things are being rectified. The attitudes taken by many "old" Australians have not been helpful. They "look down at" or avoid the migrant. They are suspicious, unfriendly.

      Because migrants have been involved in some crimes, many people generalise and say, "They are all a bad lot." Actually the percentage of crime among migrants is lower than the percentage among "old" Australians. Unfortunately, in spite of protests, when a migrant does become involved in a crime it is often headlined thus, "UKRAINIAN MURDERS WIFE" or "ITALIAN STABS MAN." Thus people label all Italians as knife-carriers etc.

      As a point of interest not all Italians are Roman Catholics. The writer recalls a group of Italian lads (about 9 or 10 of them) living in a house opposite one of our churches. I guess most people thought they belonged to the Roman Catholic Church, but they were Protestants, and very lonely ones at that. A visit to their home was greatly appreciated, and 3 or 4 of them enjoyed our Sunday services when they attended. They did not stay long in the district however.

      As Christians, let our attitudes towards these new settlers be those of love and friendliness.

      No, "assimilation"--if we must use that word, has not been easy, but this is to be expected. The next generation will fit in much easier, and by the time their children grow up you will not be able to identify most of them as of migrant stock.

What Are the Churches Doing to Help Migrants?

      Confining our remarks to Churches of Christ we note some things. Social Service Departments in the various States are represented on Good Neighbour Councils. Preachers and others are often on local committees. The Social Service Departments also contact Churches of Christ folk (few in number) who come as migrants.

      In some centres, groups of migrants are holding special meetings--e. g., New South Wales and Victoria. The South Australian Social Service Department has a caravan which they often use to house homeless migrants until they find accommodation. The ladies in various States regularly visit migrant camps, and provide suppers for naturalisation ceremonies. Social evenings are also arranged by some local churches to which migrants are invited. Some of our preachers have served as Chaplains on Migrant Ships ministering to the newcomers of different communions. In only a few cases do migrants belong to Churches of Christ. Individual members also help by teaching English etc.

      I wonder if we feel satisfied with our efforts? You may say "What more can we do?"

      (1) We could sponsor more families. Some State Committees and individuals have already done this, but on figures to hand we would estimate that not more than 20 families have been sponsored by members of Churches of Christ in Australia in the ten years of migration.

      Migrants to this country come in one of two ways--they are either sponsored by the Government or by an individual family. (In the latter case you must guarantee a place to live and work for the migrant, who pays his own fare.)

      It is sometimes said that Italians have been given priority and outnumber all other nationalities. As far as Government sponsored migrants are concerned this is not so--no one European country has been singled out for special favours. But as far as migrants nominated by individuals are concerned the Italians easily head the list (from non-British countries). During the 8 years from January 1947 to December 1954, 19,294 German migrants came under Government assistance, 14,394 came from the Netherlands, 10,331 from Italy 8,757 from Greece, and so on. During the period from January 1945 to December 1954 (10 years) landing permits issued to non-British European nationals to enter Australia totalled 286,602 (these were non-assisted migrants, and not all those authorised came). Of this figure 155,189 (over half) were issued to Italians (next highest being 30,123 to Greeks). But they have been guaranteed work and accommodation by their friends here (who often help pay their fares also). Someone has made the comment "Why don't Protestants do likewise?"

      (2) Then we can encourage migrant groups holding church services in our State. This is an important work and the initiative of migrants is to be commended. Some families in particular are doing sterling work. One young man from a migrant family is preparing himself for the work of the ministry of our churches.

      (3) One thing we can all do is to encourage and befriend individual migrants and families in our district. Has your attitude towards migrants been a Christian one, or are you suspicious and unfriendly too? Do you try to correct these un-Christian attitudes of other people? Many of the migrants--particularly from the United Kingdom--are nominal church adherents--like the average Australian. We may be the means of leading them to Jesus Christ if we treat them as Jesus treated "foreigners" in His day.

      "Let your light so shine before men (including migrants) that they see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

      But there remains one big question. Why not encourage

Non-European Migrants?

      So far our new arrivals have n almost wholly from the United Kingdom and Europe. Why not invite Asians? "Because we want to keep Australia white," "Because we don't want to lower our standards of living!" These reasons are often given or implied as objections. But let us be realistic. If you draw a circle of 5,000 miles radius with Adelaide as the centre, you, en-circle half the world's population, and 5,000 miles today is only 15-20 hours flying time. But the startling fact is this: Within that circle the only "white" countries are Australia New Zealand with very small populations.

      Historically we are of European stock, and until quite recently we always regarded ourselves as part the great European "power bloc." Historically we may be Europeans but geographically we are Asians. Let's major on geography as well as on history! All our neighbours are Asians and we can't retreat from our Asian surroundings.

      Surely as a "Christian" nation we have responsibilities towards our neighbours! If we reply "but we want to keep Australia white" and infer that the white race is superior, then this is not true and certainly "un-Christian." Let us not forget that this country originally belonged to "coloured" people. If we say "we don't want to lower our standards of living" we assume that Asian migration will do this. But even if it did, surely this is better than war which may well be the alternative.

      Unless we try to really help these hopelessly overcrowded countries, they will be forced into action to relieve the situation. Take Japan, e. g., in 1950 the population was 83 million. By 1970 it is estimated it will be 100 million (which will include 8 million new male workers). The total area of Japan is 147,000 square miles (just over half of New South Wales) but only one sixth is suitable for cultivation.

      Coming nearer home we have Indo-China. In the Tongking delta area (6,000 square miles) there was a population in 1937 of 71 million, of which only 350,000 lived in towns and cities. The rural population had an average density of more than 1,250 to the square mile. In some parts the density was 3-4 times higher (equalling the density in the most thickly populated areas in Java--which is nearer home still).

      The average density in Australia is about three to the square mile. We have a big country with a small population. Much of our now useless land could be cultivated with irrigation. It is maintained by some that Asians are reluctant to leave their homeland. But surely if we opened our country there would be some--probably many--willing to come. Not that this is a plea for mass (or indiscriminate) migration of Asians. It would need to be well planned and controlled. But we must do something to help our neighbours.

      Let Australia be a "land of beginning again" for Asians too. We have helped them in some ways, e. g., the Colombo Plan--but this is only very meagre when you consider the tremendous needs. It is recognised, of course, that Asian migration would not solve all Asian problems. There are many complex problems to be solved in these new Nation States. But surely, such a gesture by Australia would grant some relief, however small, to Asian countries. It would certainly build up tremendous goodwill--which is at a pretty low ebb in many places in Asia today.

Should We Encourage More Migrants?

      Yes, but let us not try to restrict it to Europeans, boasting of our "White Australia," and still call ourselves a Christian Nation. The Christian worships a God who made all men "of one blood" and he follows a Saviour who said "Love your neighbours," and who turned barriers between people into bridges. Let us follow in His steps.

Questions for Further Discussion

      1. What can your church do to assist migrants in your district?

      2. Why do ideas of the superiority of the "white race" still persist? How can we help to correct these ideas?

      3. Should migrants be encouraged to become naturalised? Can we help them do this?

      (We suggest you attend a Naturalisation Ceremony next time one is held in your district).

Special Note . . .

      The World Council of Churches Re-Settlement Scheme (and also the Sponsorship Scheme now headed by Mr. Dedman) has been responsible for bringing over 5,000 migrants (2093 last year) to this country since 1951.

      If you are interested in sponsoring a migrant family contact the Social Service Department of your State. However, the possibilities of sponsoring a Churches of Christ family are very limited (our numbers in the United Kingdom and Europe are very small). But why should this deter us? There are hundreds of good living people (and in many cases Christian folk) wanting to migrate here.

      "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me."

      R. C. MCKENZIE, B. A.--graduated from the Federal College of the Bible in 1950 and secured his B.A. Degree at Melbourne University in 1953. Mr. McKenzie has served the church at Newmarket, and is now minister at North Richmond, Vic. He will commence a ministry at Toowoomba, Qld., in March, 1956.

      We have all the time there is. Unlike money, talents or good looks, kind Providence has seen fit to allot time without discrimination: twenty-four hours a day to every man, woman and child in all the earth.

      Although, it is true, some are busier than others because of differing obligations, yet there is time for all to cultivate the mind and soul through reading, just as time is found for building up the body through eating.

      The average reader, so we are told, reads about three hundred words a minute. If one takes but fifteen minutes a day of the 1,440 available, one may read 4,500 words a day; 31,500 words in a week; 126,000 in a month; and 1,512,000 in a year.

      Now the average book length is about 75,000 words. This means that on just fifteen minutes a day, one can read at least twenty books in a year. Not too bad, since it is perhaps four times as many books as the average read by the American public in a year.

      In "The Wonderful World of Books," Louis Shores tells the story of how Sir William Osler, one of the greatest of all modern physicians, made it the rule of his life to spend the closing fifteen minutes of his waking day in purposeful reading. In his lifetime Dr. Osler read a significant library of books and became, in addition to the notable accomplishments in his profession, one of the best-read men of his time.

      It is a matter of the will to read. Today we have an abundance of "pocket-books" which may even be carried about for quick use while waiting for meals, doctors, or buses, time usually wasted.

      Just fifteen minutes a day and you will have read two books a month, twenty in a year, a thousand in a lifetime.

      Of the early Christians it was said they "out-thought" the pagans. It still remains the duty of Christians to keep alert to the creative thinking of the ages and abreast of the best literature of our own time.

      Whatever excuses we may have for our mental laziness, let us not pretend we do not have the time to read. Three meals a day for the body; at least one period a day for the mind and spirit.--"Christian Evangelist."