DUTCH SHOW REGRET

Chronicle (Levin), 12 August 1946, Page 3

DUTCH SHOW REGRET

-Press Association

DEPARTURE FROM N.Z.

By Telegraph-

AUCKLAND, August 11. | Apart from groups of exeited ehildren cluiching handfuls of streamers there wero few cheerful passengers lining tlie rails of the Tasman wlicn she sailed shortly after noon on Saturday witli 150 Dutcli evaeuees from Camp Oranje. Tliey were tlie last of those who had been reeuperating in Auckland during the past six montlis and they did not eonceal tlieir regret at leaving. It was a different scene from the one six mon ths ago when the Dutch, undernourished, jioorly clothed and totaJ strangers to Kew Zealand^ arrived from the Netherlands East Indies to reeover from their treatment under the Japanese. The comparison was striking on Saturday as they went aboard the ship that brought them hero. For about two hours before sailing time the ship was ovemm with visitors, some of whom : ]iad corae from long distances to fareI well the people they had entertained in j their homes, and after the ship was i eleared, they stood for over half an i liour on Westcrn Wliarf in drenehiug ; rain to see the ship depart. The Dutch and Britisli National Anthems were plaved over the ship's broadeasting syslem. Three cheers were given for tlie Dutch and those on board respondi ed with cheers for New Zealand. With ' her side drajied with streamers the liner.pulled away from the- wliarf.