WELCOMING THE STRANGER TO AUCKLAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 92, 9 July 1927, Page 18

WELCOMING THE STRANGER TO AUCKLAND

MEETING HOME BOATS VALUABLE SERVICE PERFORMED SINCE the establishment of the British Isles Association (New Zealand) in Auckland, no fewer than 10,000 new arrivals have been met and welcomed to the Dominion. Some details of the work of the Immigration Committee, of which she is chairwoman, were given by Sister Milne-Hovey to the recent meeting. In many cases, she said, immigrants have kept in touch with members after their arrival, and have been further advised regarding housing accommodation. schooling, shopping and employment. In June, 1925, Lady Gunson called a meeting of the various organisations interested in immigration, resulting in the formation of what was called the “Joint Immigration Reception Committee." Various members of the committee personally inspected boarding and apartment houses, compiled a list of approved places, with detailed information as to accommodation, rates, etc., so that new arrivals could be readily directed to clean and* reasonable accommodation without any undue de!ay. ,

Through the courtesy of the Harbour Board, six permanent interchangeable passes were obtained, enabling members of the committee to be on duty in the wharf sheds on the arrival of every boat to welcome and advise the new arrivals.

“The amount of work done by our members varies from time to time. Occasionally little assistance is required, but generally hours of strenuous work is done by those on duty. Information regarding the clearing, handling and storing of luggage is asked for by many new arrivals,” she explained.

Quotas for Auckland and immediate viciinty were usually met at the wharf by their friends or nominators, but those going to the outlying districts frequently required temporary accommodation and information regarding local boats and train service to enable them to get to their destination with the least possible delay. Those going South by the express were advised how to get their baggage through the customs, and conveyed to the station; checking, and the handling of heavy baggage by the shipping companies.

Special service was rendered in cases where the husband had preceded his wife and family to New Zealand,

and was unable to meet them at the port of arrival. “It is then necessary for a member of the committee to personally attend to these families,” said Sister MilneHovey.

The Y.W.C.A. generously placed their rooms at the disposal of the committee. Families can be accommodated while waiting the departure of train or boat, obtain rest and meals. Mothers can attend to the comfort of their young children.

The rooms of the British Isles’ Association are at the disposal of men and boys only, having no facilities for the accommodation of women and children.

“At present members are only detailed for duty on the wharf on the arrival of the boat in Auckland, but in the future I would like to see one member, at least, on duty at the Y.W.C.A. rooms on that day. The regular staff of that institution is always busy and can ill spare the time to look after these who, naturally, must be at a loss in strange surroundings.” Girl Guides would be of great assistance, she said, in conducting women and families to and from the station and the Y.W.C.A.