The Daily News TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1914. HOW TO HELP THE BELGIANS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 93, 15 September 1914, Page 4

The Daily News TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1914. HOW TO HELP THE BELGIANS.

The widespread devastation caused by the Germans in Belgium, together with all the horrors of continued hostilities, and last, but by no means least, the awful atrocities perpetrated by the enemy have resulted in a wholesale (light i of Belgians to the one great world-wide asylum for the afflicted and oppressed of all nations—England. A recent cable stated that thirty thousand refugees, mostly Belgians, were expected within the next ten days. This announcement is by no means surprising, for the Belgians know full well that they can rely on finding not only a haven of refuge in England, but also a warm welcome, and thither they are flocking from their bombarded towns, ruined homesteads and battered villages, which have been pillaged and ruthlessly destroyed by the savage Goths of Rhineland. These refugees know "Anglcterre," and all that, it stands for, but in all probability they are. ignorant of what we call the British Empire. They may not realise that the great overseas dominions -are cne at heart with the Homeland, and that there is the same spirit of justice and freedom, the same goodness of heart and the same appreciation of heroism in the outposts of the Empire as in England itself. The present is an excellent opportunity for giving them practical proof of the identity of the dominions w : th Britain in mi that '» best in t-l>« great points which has made the Old Country so beloved by those who have suffered persecution and oppression, or who are victims of relentless foes. No sketch of imagination is required to arrive at a conclusion that the task of providing for her own unemployed, and the dependents of those who are lighting for the'cause of right and justice will severely tax the resources of the Homeland, and that the influx of thousands of refugees from Belgium will greatly add to the gigantic effort which % the people of Eng'.and will iiavc to make in administering to the needs of those wh/ arc unable to provide for themselves. It is in tlii3 connection that both Australia and New Zealand can with advantage to themJ selves render most valuable aid to the Motherland and her proteges. Parenthically let it be noted that the Belgians are noted for their self-reliance and independence, and in this they approach nearer to New Zea'anders than is the case with any nation, added to which they are thrifty, hard working, and used to intense methods oE cultivating their holdings, the women-in particular beinc amazing toilers as well as excellent anil frugal housewives. This brings us tc the suggestion which, with all deferenc? U put forward for overcoming the con gestion in England, finding congenia employment for the refugees, and flt tin sam<? time advancing the interests oi our Dominion. New Zealand under or dinary circumstances needs the assist , ance of a vcrv large numbeV of workers especially in the agricultural and dairy ing districts. At the present time tlfai

need is greater than ever, for we ar< losing the service!} of thousands of oui young men who have joined the expeA itionary force, leaving gaps to be fillei up in every avenue of life. Moreover there are thousands of households hei'i where the help of a woman would hi the greatest loon. Then why not re lievc the Motherland of her great pro Mem, and obtain the services of a num ber of Belgian refugees to meet the need: of the dominion? The troopships wind are. to convey New Zealand's sons U England or France will be utilised t< bring back, pay, ten thousand lielgians and it may be' assorted with confidence their homes could readily be fount for that or a larger number, where the} could be of the greatest service am would materially contribute to the ex porting power of the dominion. Tin language dillieiilty should really be nc drawback, as the good people whosi bravery and general qualities are B( highly appreciated would. Soon overcome so small and unimportant a trouble a; that of difference of speech. An in dependent people like the Belgians wouk feel very keenly the degradation of de pendence on charity, and would assur nllv welcome the opportunity of earn ing their own livelihood, and by findinf them homes and work in New Zealanc they would retain their independence and yet feel grateful for the hclpinj hand held out to them in time of stora and stress. The matter is one that wi have no hesitation in recommending tt the favorable consideration of the Gov eminent. That satisfactory arrange ments can be made by the High Commis sioner and the New Zealand author, ties, as well as by the community, can not be questioned. To carry out . practical proposition of this nature would greatly enhance the good nam. and fame of Xcw Zealand in the cyei of our allies, and would furnish anothe. proof of the unity of the Empire. It it ...mallv certain that it would have ar apprcc'iable effect on our export trade n future, as it will act as a world-w.de ...Ivertiseraent of the dominion and it; n-wuccs From a New Zealand point „f view there is every inducement tc make the experiment, while from a humanitarian standpoint it is the highest and best form of that noble, true charity which elevates rather than degrades the recipients.