EVACUEES FROM FAR EAST

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24678, 22 September 1945, Page 6

EVACUEES FROM FAR EAST

* FIRST DRAFT EXPECTED SOON RECUPERATIVE TREATMENT IN AUCKLAND (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, September 21. The first draft of about 400 evacuees from the Far East to reach New Zealand for recuperative treatment will be accommodated in hospitals and convalescent centres in the Auckland district, according to a statement made by' the Minister of Health (the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer) in an interview this afternoon. The first hospital ship will arrive at Auckland about October 4. Mr Nordmeyer said that no information had been received about the proportion which would require hospital treatment and the proportion which would be convalescent. When this information was received an allocation would be made among the hospitals and convalescent establishments. “I understand that rumours concerning the numbers to come to. New Zealand have been circulating,” said Mr Noi dmeyer. “I wish to emphasise that at no time has New Zealand been asked to lake more than a reasonable number of people from the Far East. It is not likely that more than 800 or 900 will require to be .cared for in New Zealand. When the Government has more details pf the class of cases likely to be included in the first draft, this information will be made available to those interested.” Mr ' Nordmeyer said that the Army was making arrangements for the reception of convalescents and patients. The Health Department would be represented by Dr. C. A. Taylor, who would leave for Auckland early next week.