More refugees for Chch soon?

Press, 17 July 1979, Page 6

More refugees for Chch soon?

The Christchurch area should be willing to take about 170 more Indo-Chinese refugees soon, to relieve the plight of people leaving Vietnam and Cambodia, the Christchurch Citv Council said last evening.

Thousands of refugees were dying "far more painfully” than Jews during World War 11, said Cr P. N. G. Blaxall. New Zealand had done little to help, he said, perhaps because the problem was so big. The news that New Zealand would take 2700 people, instead of the previously planned 900, was welcomed by councfllors. referring to yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) that another 1800 Vietnamese refugees would be accepted from earlv next year to June. 1981.

“We were quick to come to their aid during the war,” Cr Blaxall said. “Now they need us more than ever.” Cr D. Ct Close said that it was unnecessary for the council itself to participate in refugee resettlement. That could be left to voluntary agencies and churches, which had the necessary experience.

Cr R. Lester said that the refugee problem was shameful, but resettlement would mean a long commitment. “We should offer positive help,” he said, “rather than just pass a resolution.” ; Cr Mollie Clark was concerned that “aggressive Gov-i ernment policies” were caus- ■

ing New Zealanders to “flock I out the front door, while; refugees are knocking at the back door.” Mr Muldoon said in Wellington yesterday that the increase over this year’s intake of 900 refugees had been authorised by the Cabinet. “That is about what we think we can handle,” he said.

The Under-Secretary of Immigration (Mr A. G. Malcolm) will inform a special United Nations conference on

Indo-China refugees of the decision at the week-end. Mr Muldoon said that all the refugees would be admitted to New Zealand through the special reception centre at Mangere.

“It is better to do it at one point of entry, because we have the specialists there,” he said.

According to church groups, housing would not be' a problem. “Many church groups have said that they can take them,” Mr Muldoon said. “We have got to accept them.”