BRITISH CHILDREN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24403, 14 September 1940, Page 12

BRITISH CHILDREN

INTEREST OF IMMIGRANTS' CLUB The question of bringing children from Great Britain to New Zealand during the war was discussed at a meeting of the British Immigrants ■ Club. Mrs Jones-Neilson stressed the need for the co-operation of all societies interested in the people of Great Britain, as the question of bringing out children was a very urgent one. It was felt that an " empty" country like New Zealand was not doing as much as might have been done. Letters had been sent to the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sir Harry Batterbee asking that a grant should be arranged between the Governments of the Dominion and the United Kingdom, and that the grant should be extended as inother parts of the British Commonwealth. Sir Harry Batterbee had written thanking the club and the speaker personally for the helpful suggestions that he had received. These suggestions were that all school leaving'certificates from schoolmasters and others as to the ability of individual children, and that all insurance benefits, friendly society benefits and National Health benefits should be sent,for each child. Mr Parry had written stating that all the points raised would receive careful attention. Mr A. Wheeler, on behalf of the Council of Scottish Societies, said he was not able to give any definite assurance at the moment. The delegates would report to their respective societies, and he felt sure that the British Immigrants' Club would have strong support. It was decided to have a questionnaire distributed among the various socigtiGS A woman from Staffordshire mentioned that her four grandchildren would be leaving shortly and that arrangements had been made through the Dominions Office, London, for 10s maintenance for each child to be paid by the parents to the grandmother.