THE EUROPEAN REFUGEE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 156, 28 March 1939, Page 4

THE EUROPEAN REFUGEE

Admission To Dominion Urged At Meeting

The problem of present-day European refugees and the question of nndim-- them homes was discussed by the Rev W. H. I’. McKenzie at the first meeting for the year of the Womens Social Progress Movement in Wellington yesterday, in his opinion such a problem had not presented itself tor three centuries. The New Zealand Government was sympathetic but cautious toward the admitting of such refugees, lie said. Only about one-third of those who applied for admission were successful. When it wa.s remembered that a person desirous of entering the Dominion had to have sponsors living here to speak for him besides having to present care-fully-examined credentials, it was sad to think of tho.se thousands who were unable to leave their country because of lack of friends in the new land who could “guarantee” their character and capabilities to the authorities. Sometimes applicants were refused entry because of the professions they followed, some New Zealand professional bodies protesting against their coming on the score of overcrowding. Mr. McKenzie explained. The European refugee committee formed in Wellington a short time ago with Dr. Sylvia Chapman at its head was working hard to assist refugees in coming to New Zealand, though, he said, the committee was, at the same time, not pleading for unrestricted immigration. Objections Raised. Among- objections raised against the argument for admission, the first was that of unemployment. Would such a step increase the existing rate? people asked. In the year or so before December, 1935, in England, 11,000 lefugees had been provided with work. It had been proved that unemployment was not increased and that a gieater population meant more work. The eco nomic argument was not a real one. Dealing with the anti-scmatic policy, he said the policy of hoping to keep New Zealand ir purely British country was a dangerous one today. People should be educated to realize the truth of anti-semeticlsm. People dared not miss the opportunity of doing something constructive at the present time, he said. There was a nemesis against those who closed their doors to those outside. Now was a good opportunity for people to show Christianity at its best by helping those who were homeless without a country.

Mrs. G. L. Stewart was in the chair, and in welcoming members she referred to the object of the movement, now in its eleventh year, that of making thoughtful people alert to the state oi: affairs in the world today.

The president. Miss M. McLean, C.8.E., led devotions at the opening of the afternoon, and a short programme, arranged by Mrs. B. L. Dallard, was heard. The central branch of the League of Mothers’ choir gave two numbers and Mrs. Mathie sang, both items being accompanied by Mrs. Dallord. Mrs. H. J. Sleptoe moved a vote of thanks to the speaker and Mrs. James Bennie thanked the performers. Afternoon tea was served.