AUCKLAND HOMES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 233, 1 October 1940, Page 8

AUCKLAND HOMES.

BRITISH CHILDREN.

PLANS FOR RECEPTION.

British children who come to Auckland will be assured of a warm welcome, as there are many good homes waiting for them.

Auckland people who have offered to care for the British children attended a meeting at the Town Hall Concert Chamber yesterday afternoon. There was an attendance of about 500.

The Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, welcomed the foster-mothers and fathers. He said that the committee had not yet had an opportunity of visiting all of the homes offered.

Sir Ernest thanked the members of the committee for the great work already done. One of his most pleasing experiences had been his association with the social service organisations. It was anticipated that the children would arrive shortly. He wished to thank Mrs. W. R. Wilson, who had given splendid assistance. He urged that the children should be received into people's homes in a natural way, without being spoiled or made to feel that they were in a wrong atmosphere. He said that they should be received as close to family ties as possible. Closer Link. The chairman of the committee, the Rev. F. Copeland, said the committee would always be ready to give advice in conjunction with the Child Welfare Department.

Sir Ernest said that the committcc was indebted to Mr. Stuart Garland, who had accepted the position of secretary in an honourary capacity and had carried out his duties efficiently and well.

Many questions were asked and answered. Sir Ernest, replying to an inquirer, said that as far as was known, all the children would return after the duration of the war.

The Right Rev. Monsignor H.' F. Holbrook said that probably eome of the elder children would be fitted into New Zealand industrial life and make good Xew Zealand citizens.