OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 June 1943, Page 3

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

POLISH GRATITUDE (To the Editor) Sir—May I ask indulgence for space in your columns to express to the people of New Zealand my heartfeltthanks for the wonderful kindness and generosity recently extended to my fellow-countrymen? Some time ago, quite unexpectedly, a ship arrived with 700 Polish refugees, mostly women and orphan children, released from prison camps. They were the first contingent of 10,000 to whom hospitality has been offered in Mexico, and the Polish Consul in Bombay, who escorted them, told me that while they were now very well fed, they badly needed essential clothing. Having already experienced the generosity of the people of New Zeafancl, who, through the National Patriotic Fund Board and the Lady Galway Guild, have in the past helped us so .willingly, I felt confident that I could again ask them for help. The response was overwhelmingly greater than I could possibly have hoped for. In the space of three short hours, the Wellington Red Cross and the Joint Council, assisted by Junior Red Cross. Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and other kindred organisations quickly and efficiently arranged magnificent assistance in the form of large quantities of excellent clothing of all kinds. Deeply was this generous assistance appreciated by the Polish people not only,the material help, but also the kindly spirit which prompted it. I was able to visit them on the ship and can bear witness to their needs. What I saw would leave an unforgettable impression on any heart. It' was not only their physical appearance—nearly all of them had had malaria and half of them scurvy from malnutrition—but it was the expression in the children’s eyes. The captain of the ship told me: “Those children never cry, they cause no trouble on board.” And one of the Polish teachers added, "Nor do they laugh.” I am very sorry that the strict rules of security would not permit some of the people of Wellington to visit s these children. Had they been able to do so, they would indeed have seen for themselves just what this war has done. One thing more I should like to add: Many sick and wounded New Zealand soldiers returned on this ship. One of the Polish ladies, Madame Tyszkiewiez, a personal friend of mine, told me: “The New Zealand soldiers are not only famous, modern warriors, they have also some qualities of the noble knights of old; every one is a perfect gentleman. Tell me, please, what kind of a country is this New Zealand that gives such sons?” I told her. . . . I am, etc., MARIE WODZICKA, Delegate of Polish Red Cross to the Red Cross Society of New Zealand. Wellington, June 23. COLLEGE BOARD ELECTION (To the Editor) Sir,—As secretary to the Wairarapa Trades Council may I be permitted to correct one or more inaccuracies in your report of the College Board? Mr W. L. Hunter takes his seat on that board as the employees’ representative, Mrs J. L. Hair being the Labour Government representative. Mr E. Hanley, according to your report, states that I told him that Mr A. Owen Jones had given authority for all persons and delegates connected with the Trades Council to vote at the election. I never said such a thing either to Mr Hanley or anyone else, seeing that the Trades Council consists of only delegates from various unions affiliated to the N.Z Federation of Labour. Where the “all persons” come in is beyond me. Talking to Mr Hanley a few days before the election, he asked me if we (the Trades Council)' I presume, had anyone in view, as he was not particular in seeking election, seeing that he had no children going to the College now. What Mr A. Owen Jones states about me speaking to him and him referring me to Mr H. M. Boddington is quite correct. Mr Nicol says that the board could not dictate to the unions regarding proportionate voting. For the benefit of your readers and all others concerned, I might state that on that system Mr Hunter was elected. Thanking you for the space accorded.—l am, etc., FRED COLE. Secretary, Wairarapa Trades Council. Masterton, June 23. The “one or more inaccuracies” alleged by our correspondent in a report of the last meeting of the Wairarapa College Board of Governors appear to exist only in his own imagination. Our report showed that Mr W. L. Hunter had been elected to the board by the Wairarapa Trades Council, of course as a representative of employees. With our correspondent’s dispute with Mr T. Hanley (whom he calls Mr E. Hanley) we are not concerned. There was no inaccuracy in our quotation from Mr Hanley’s letter to the board.—Ed.