STRANDED ISLANDERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 133, 7 June 1929, Page 8

STRANDED ISLANDERS.

MAUI POMARE'S CREW.

DESIRE TO RETURN HOME

MINISTER SYMPATHETIC,

Asking that they be returned to their 1 own country at the earliest possible moment, representatives of the eighteen Niue Islanders, members of the Maui crew, who were stricken with influenza and had to remain in Auckland, waited on the Minister of Education (Hon. H. Atmore) yesterday afternoon.

Thrpugh an interpreter (Mr. J. D. Whitcombe) the natives said they were brought ashore from the M au i Pomare on April 6 with influenza. After coming out of hospital they were accommodated at .the Sailors' Home. Five weeks later they were transferred to the Maori hostel in Parnell. "There were no beds, no chairs and just a bare floor for the men, although later a few mattresses were secured for them from the Tutanekai," said Mr. Whitcombe. The natives had received no pay, although there was £333 owing to them. They asked that payment of this amount be made. The Islanders dreaded the winter, and desired to go home prior to the Maui Pomare "oing to Norfolk Island. The vessel could be diverted to Niue without difficulty, whereas if she proceeded to Norfolk Island the men would have to wait in Auckland longer than necessary. It was a great responsibility for the Government to have the natives in NewZealand, as they ' might get further attacks of influenza.

"We will have the matter remedied for you," said Mr. Atmore, who explained that inquiries regarding the complaints would be made, and a prompt decision announced.. "It is just a question of verifying the statements that have been made," he added. Mr. Whitcombe added that the men had not sufficient blankets. They could do with two more each.

The Minister: We will have some more blankets sent along. Now, do they want any pocket money? On receiving an assurance that the Islanders could do with some spare cash, Mr. Atmore promised to attend to th? matter. „ '