EXILED NEW ZEALANDERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 250, 16 July 1919, Page 10

EXILED NEW ZEALANDERS

EON. G. W. RUSSELL'S STATEMENT RESENTED. Strong indignation was felt by Iho New Zcalandcrs stranded in Sydney at the remarks of tlio Hon. 0. \Y. llnssell, Minister of I'nblic Health, published at .the end of June, with reference to the stories of distress amongst 'ho "exiles. 31'r. Russell said he was inclined to think that the stories woro part of a propaganda carried oil in Sydney to force the position at this end. 110 added that: no one was uioro regretful than the Government at the "exiles'" delay, owing to shipping troubles. Tho Government agent in Sydney had been supplied with funds to make advances to anyone requiring assistance. 'L'he agent had full power to deal ivith genuine cases of distress, but some of tlio applications were of a doubtful character. Whe'i the remarks (if the Minister were published in the Sydney "Dailv Telegraph," the. position was considered by the detained people, Mid the following eahVgram was dispatched to the Acting-Prime Minister (Sir James Aden) by Mr. E. A. Batt, chairman _ of the committee of the stranded New Zealanders:— , "Stranded New Zealamlers lesent with strongest feelings indignation innuendo your colleague Russell that 'stories distress among them form part propaganda Sydney to forco position (his end.' Oases brought binder notice our executive fully, carefully investigated. Distress lint only real, but acute in many cases. Been personally shown dozens pawntickets. Fact that your agent already disbursed over <4'2011—75 |"'r cent, to nmnitionists —accentuates need for additional relief, which _ l.nders'and your agent asked for. Reverting Russell s cable, so far from asking relief quarnntine for deep-sea ships. our -xecntive. wishing protect Dominion public every way, agreed outset submit any duration quarantino you imposed. Under existing distressful conditions our efforts reliei should not be characterised propaganda, as impasse due neglect Health authorities provide adequate quarantine accommodation. This message confirmed by Hark Cohen, W. 11. Kent. Henry Moss, F. Graham, Captain Tacon." ■