BRITISH CHILDREN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 236, 4 October 1940, Page 11

BRITISH CHILDREN.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

RECEPTION.

YOUNGSTERS CHAT FREELY.

One of the happiest and surely one of the most informal of receptions ever held at Parliament House took place on Wednesday, when all those people concerned with the arrangements to bring the British children to New Zealand were entertained by the Prime Minister and Mrs. Fraser. The occasion provided- a splendid opportunity for everybody to meet together and they made the most of it. The guesU needed no introduction; they were drawn together by their common interest, and their love of the cause of the children. Quite a large number of the children drafted to Wellington were present with their new foster parents and they were the centre of attention. They mingled and chatted freely with everybody, and judging by the remarks, made a very favourable impression. The youngest children naturally came in for the greatest interest, and one charming

little five-year-old was observed surrounded by a group of dot in;; elderly business men, bent-kneed as they plied the little chap with questions, to which he nonchalantly and happily replied in between tossing off lemonade from the bottle.

lire. Fraser received tbe guests, and with her were the escorts, who also shook hands and exchanged greetings with the guests ae they were announced on arrival. The escorts were Miss Jean Johnson, the matron, who comes from Glasgow, Miss A. G. Guthrie, Miss S. B. Caesie, Miss H. Scott, Miss B. M. Fielding and Mies A. D. Fergusson. Miss M. L. Murray and Miss M. G. D. Fraser were unable to be present. "A Great Holiday." Mrs. Fraser gave a warm speech of welcome in keeping with the friendly epirit which prevailed. She said she knew the children were going to have a great holiday, and when they went back to Scotland after the war it would only be to return to New Zealand bringing their relations and 'all they were fond of to make their homes here. She specially welcomed the escorts and thanked them for their wonderful work and care in bringing out the children. The captain and ship's company were also thanked for their part in bringing the ehip with the children in it to safety. The foster-parents, she said, deserved three cheers, but rewards for them would come in tbe happiness the children would bring to them and which they could give to the children. She also mentioned the members of the various committees which had worked so patiently and well for the children.

Mies Johnson gave a brief, bright address, and her popularity with the children was evidenced by the cheers with which they greeted her. She and her fellow escorts had been overloaded with kindness, she said, and she gave most sincere thanks for the wonderful time they had all had eince arrival.