POLISH CAMP AT PAHIATUA

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24985, 20 September 1946, Page 8

POLISH CAMP AT PAHIATUA

FUTURE OF CHILDREN DISCUSSED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, September 19. “It is not possible to say Whether the Polish children will remain in New .Zealand,’ or whether they will return to their own country,” said the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) in an 'official statement. “This is a question for them to decide when they reach the age of discretion. Those who elect to settle permanently in New Zealand will be welcomed, and those who choose to return to Poland will be enabled to do so.”

Mr Fraser said that formerly the camp at Pahiatua was under the joint ■ control of the New Zealand Govern[ment and the Polish authorities, but (after the arrival of the children all [expenditure, excepting that incurred kin respect of the salaries of Polish ; adults employed on various duties for Hhe care and education of the children, was met by the New Zealand Government. Now, however, by arrangement between the interim treasury committee in the United Kingdom and the New Zealand Government, full control of the camp and all expenditure, including that on Ealaries for Polish adults, was met by the New Zealand Government.

The salaries and conditions of the ipolish adults were generally comparable with those of persons engaged Fin New Zealand on similar duties. The bcamp was administered by the Army [Department, which provided key personnel. The remainder of the staff was provided by the Poles themselves. The senior Polish representative was Mr Zaleski, who arrived recently from South Africa after exiperience in the management of Polish children’s camps. The control and conduct of the camp were highly satisfactory.