BABY “ADOPTED”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 July 1938, Page 4

BABY “ADOPTED”

ACTION BY THE CARTERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL HELP FOR CHINESE REFUGEES (“Times-Age” Special.) Without any unbecoming levity, ’the Carterton Borough Council made a momentuous decision at its meeting last night—it adopted a Chinese war baby, paying the sum of £4, for the privilege of doing so. The council, however, has no monopoly of the Chinese baby trade. Anyone else may also adopt a “yellow baby” for £4. “Now is your chance,” observed a councillor when a letter was received from the Chinese War Refugee Committee drawing attention to the desperate plight of many Chinese children and explaining a proposal whereby a person or body might adopt a baby for £4.. That sum would cover" the education, food, clothing and housing of a Chinese child for'" a year. A child so adopted would, it is presumed remain in China, although the letter stated that the adopted child would be told the name of its foster parents. Councillor H. Mortenson: “It is rather a difficult matter. There they want us to help Chinese children, and on the other hand Bishop Cherrington wants us to bring the Japs in.” After referring to the difficulty of launching appeals for such objects, the Mayor, Mr D. L. Taverner, suggested that if the council adopted a baby it would be a good way of spreading the outlay over the whole of the ratepayers. Councillors agreed with the Mayor’s suggestion, which was adopted. It was also decided to open a public subscription list. Councillor O. Wolters pointed out that the council option over its ward was restricted by the extent of its financial contribution, £4 a year, but no decision was made as to renewal at the end of 12 months.