Koreans Write To Mr Shand

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31003, 8 March 1966, Page 15

Koreans Write To Mr Shand

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 7. Five well-known Korean social workers have written to the Minister of Immigration (Mr Shand) in support of the appeal to adopt four Korean children, by Mr and Mrs I. M. Courtney, of Titirangi.

The letter makes an appeal for Mr Shand to reconsider the Courtney case. ‘‘Mr and Mrs Courtney have come to know the four Korean children and have been sponsors for their support for the last two years,” it says. “These children have come to know their sponsor and are now desirous of being with Mrs Courtney, whom they have accepted as their mother. “Under these circumstances how can we tell them that they have been refused for adoption when they have built up their hopes for so long.’’ The letter is signed by the president of the National Council of Social Welfare, the director of the Seoul Child Guidance Clinic, the executive director of the Korean national committee of the International Conference of Social Work, the director of International Social Services and the director of the Child Placement Service. The letter continues: “We see no reason why our children cannot get adjusted with the Courtneys.

“In due respect of your feelings on the matter, we, the social workers, representing the organisations which ate engaged in the betterment of human welfare, appeal to you for your deep and generous understanding and consideration.”

Mrs Courtney said today she had not yet received word from Mr Shand, after his letter to her a month ago, promising a review of the whole question of Asian adoptions.