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As stated earlier, there was evidence that some Danes and Hollanders were anxious to come to this country. When immigration is possible, and if sufficient numbers are not available from Great Britain, we think that steps should be taken to encourage such types rather than open the country to an indiscriminate immigration of other European types. We have given considerable thought to the question of the immigration of Jewish refugees. The Jewish community in New Zealand gave evidence before us to the effect that a considerable number of Jewish people living in the Dominion had close relatives — parents, brothers, and sisters, and, in some cases, children—who were still living in impossible circumstances in Europe. In addition, it was pointed out that there were a large number of Jewish orphans, and the Jewish community in New Zealand was anxious to assist not only in the support of relatives of those already living in New Zealand, but also in connection with such orphans. Representations made to us on behalf of the Jewish community in New Zealand were to the effect that inquiries had been made covering the whole of the Jewish community in New Zealand as to the number of persons who would be involved in such proposals, and the present estimate is that the number is approximately 500. The submissions emphasized that such immigrants would not be a charge on the public purse, and that the present Jewish residents in New Zealand would accept all responsibility for their maintenance and for their housing. This latter point was emphasized. In cross-examination it was pointed out to the witnesses that the housing situation in New Zealand was so desperate as to make it impossible to recommend any immediate immigration policy which would have the effect of creating any extra demand for houses. The reply was that the Jewish community would accept full and complete responsibility for the housing of these people. In so far as parents were involved, it was pointed out that they were mostly aged people who would be cared for by their children and would not require separate housing. As far as the orphan children were concerned, it was proposed that these would be to all intents and purposes adopted by Jewish families in the Dominion. No person who has followed the trials of the Jewish race over the past decade can but feel considerable sympathy for them. We have discussed this subject at some length and, in view of the fact that matters of high Government policy are concerned and that the Government has, over the years, particularly prior to the war, accepted a number of such Jewish refugees, we think that we will have fulfilled our responsibilities in this regard if we bring this matter to the notice of the Government. In view of the housing situation and of the demand at the present time for special types of workers, we doubt whether it is advisable to recommend any preferential treatment to any particular type of immigrant, although some obligation on New Zealand's part in connection with displaced people in Europe is inescapable. VI. EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS Changes in the rate of population growth have an early effect on the administration of education. The Education Department comes into the picture at the point where teachers and school buildings must be provided for the child population. It can be assumed that, in spite of difficulties, the country can in normal times cope with the increased demands resulting solely from a rising birth-rate, since the Education authorities have at least four years' warning of any increase in the number of school entrants. The decision, however, to increase the child population by immigration raises major difficulties where the school system is geared to providing for the natural increase alone. Further sudden or marked changes in the natural increase may cause, in the short run, serious maladjustment between the supply of teachers and buildings and the school population. In the sequel it is proposed to deal separately with the question of {a) supply of school buildings, and (b) supply of teachers.

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