CHILDREN FROM BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25870, 1 August 1949, Page 3

CHILDREN FROM BRITAIN

HOMES WANTED IN CHRISTCHURCH IMMIGRATION SCHEME Inquiries have been invited by the Superintendent of Child Welfare (Mr J. R. O’Sullivan) for billets for immigrant children from the United Kingdom. These children, who come from London, Leicester, Upminister, Kent, Berkshire, West Lothian, Yorkshire, and Belfast, have been selected with the greatest possible care and when homes are available can come to New Zealand on a guardianship basis. “Homes have been selected in New Zealand for a large number of children but the scheme as first planned related primarily to the settlement of children in the younger age group and it was on this understanding that the majority of homes offered were selected,” said Mr O’Sullivan. “It is now clear however that the majority of the children coming to New Zealand will be in the higher age group, between 12 and 17 years of age, and it cannot be presumed that all the homes originally offered will now be available. In the circumstances I would be glad if those desiring to take children in the older age group, particularly between 12 and 17 years, would communicate with the nearest district Child Welfare Office.” The children were fit and at the time of arrival in New Zealand must be under 18 years of age. Their parents or guardians have made a declaration that they had released them for permanent residence in New Zealand in the homes of New Zealanders willing to receive and fully maintain them and they would not interfere directly or indirectly with the upbringing of the children- Children accompanied by and in charge of parents or relatives *are not eligible for free passages under the scheme, but the scheme included children nominated by relatives other than parents in New Zealand. The Child Welfare Office in Christchurch has received photographs and particulars of a number of children v.hose ages range from 9 to 17 years.