COMING TO A NEW WORLD

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33869, 14 June 1975, Page 10

COMING TO A NEW WORLD

The Invited. By Krystyna Skwarko. Millwood Press. 90 pp. N.Z. price $5. (Reviewed by 1.M.C.) Attempts to help save the lives of children who have been displaced from their homes and separated from their families because of war, seem to be a commonplace happening in these days of Vietham war and other disasters. And in view of the arguments which have developed over the issue of taking children away from their native environment, and transplanting them into a foreign culture, it is good to have a book published to prove how successful was one of New Zealand’s greatest humanitarian efforts — giving a home to 733 Polish refugee children in 1944.

This reviewer is one of the orphan.* who found a new home, and a new way of life in New Zealand, because of what was undoubtedly an historic act of kindness in the fullest degree.

Krystyna Skwarko, author of “The Invited,” was herself a refugee, and one of the adults who was responsible for the care of rhe children. She has written almost a statistical documentary of the events as they followed one another, of the numbers of children involved, and of the

massive, and undoubtedly expensive arrangements which had to be made in order to feed, house, and clothe 733 children.

To prove that this venture was successful, the author gives statistics to show how the children have fitted into New Zealand society. They have undertaken occupations ranging from doctors, artists, geologists, to factory workers, tailors, and shoemakers.

Useful as such a documentary is, in proving the success of a noble experiment, it tells little of the tremendous adjustment which had to be made by the children themselves to overcome many obstacles such as language, different customs, and lack of family security. 1 will never forget being asked by New Zealand children such questions as “do you have houses in Poland?” or "do you sleep in beds in Poland?” or being asked frequently to say something in Polish, only to be answered by hilarious laughter at the sound of one’s language.

These small incidents are mentioned to illustrate some of the difficulties which had to be overcome with much effort and understanding. But they do not in any way minimise the great act of compassion which the book records.