GIRLS FROM ENGLAND.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1740, 3 May 1913, Page 6

GIRLS FROM ENGLAND.

STATE'S INTENT EXPLAINED. (By Telegraph.—Press AetocJation.l Auckland, May 2. A deputation of ladies representing th« oxecutive of the Girls' Friendly Spciety conferred this morning with tho Hon. H. D. Bell on the question of assisted girl immigrants. , . Tho ladies explained to tho Minister that the® were anxious to work with the Y.W.C.A. in doing what could bo done to assist girls after they arrived in New Zealand, but at the present time they did not quite know how such societies as theirs stood in relation to tho Government. They suggested, for instance, that it would holp if they wero advised from Wellington of tho dato of arrival and of tho probablo number of girl immigrants. Tho Minister explained that tho chief ooncorn with regard to the immigration of girls was tho needs of tho pooplo in thfl country." The ladies of tho cities were ablo to take combined action, and were, .comparaWJely speaking, woll provided for in tlje matter of domestic help. Thero had not been any prohibition of approach to tho girls on their arrival in New Zealand. Many went to friends, and numbers wero already (on arrival) nominated for situations. Tho girls wero told in London that thero wero two societies in Now Zealand—tho Girls' Friendly Socioty afrti tho Young Women's Christian Association—to either of which they should ciitrust themselves on arrival in Now Zealand. Mr. 801 l went on to outline tho arrangements which he had made in regard to future immigration. The G.F.S, and the Y.W.C.A. in the centre concerned would bo informed how many girls would arrive and of tho fact that tho Government Matron (under tho Immigration Department) would also bo present in port at tho arrival of tho immigrant vessel. Tho Government Matron and tho matrons of the two institutions mentioned would visit tho vessel_ in company, and tho girls would bo informed of tho desivo of tho Government that they should. go to one or otlmr of the two places. Further. Ml'. Bell explained that ho wished tho societies to consider the question of reserving for tho Department, at tho time of tho arrival of tho immigrant ship, four or fivo rooms, and of having availablo (in caso of emergency) further accommodation at suitable boardinghouses for this, and for tho tendcnce of thb girls between tho time thoy left tho ship and their departure for their new homes. Tho Government would bo prepared to guarantee a retaining feo opart from ordinary boarding expenses. -