EFFECT OF WAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 130, 3 June 1937, Page 17

EFFECT OF WAR

CHILD REFUGEES

BASQUES IN ENGLAND

SALVATION ARMY APPEAL

One of the many unfortunate effects ■it the war in Spain has been the loss of homes and parents by many childten, and a message received by Lieu-tenant-Commissioner F. Adams, of the Salvation Army, Wellington, from General Evangeline Booth indicates What is being done and what is required to assist many Basque children (who have arrived in England. The Salvation Army in England has taken charge ..of 1400 of these children, and Commissioner Adams stated this morning that the Army in New Zealand would do its best to raise funds for their support. "The Army is in the forefront," the cable from General Booth stated. "Have agreed to take 1400 children; 400 at present in Congress Hall (Clapton, London), and 1000 waiting in concentration camp; age 5 to 15 years; estimated weekly cost 155."

The position was a minor repetition of what happened in. the Great War, Lieutenant-Commissioner Adams saidAt that time thousands of Belgian children were brought to England and the Army had done all it could for them. He understood that the concentration camp referred to was somewhere near Southampton, and he believed the children brought from Spain would be kept there until provision could be made for them "in the Army homes.

"One cannot see the children starve," said' the Lieutenant-Commissioner. "Their distress in this terrible crisis carries with it an irresistible appeal and I look to the people of New Zealand to help the Army to tide over this sudden emergency. You see what the General says. It will cost 15s a week to keep each one of this small army of children, and money must come from somewhere. In the past the Army has much to be thankful for, for the support accorded to it in times of crises. Truly we say, 'the Lord will provide'; but we must not neglect those agencies through which His will may be done.

"While we are well aware of the many appeals that are being made to the public for financial aid at the present time, here is -a sudden and altogether ■ unexpected emergency arising out of a stupid and wicked war, and the lives of thousands of innocent children are at stake. Thanks to England many are being brought out of the Basque country and succoured by a people on which they have no claim other than that of common humanity. We have taken. on similar burdens in tile past; and, please God, we will take on others, and that we may do so, I am making this appeal. Anyone who feels disposed to help may do so by forwarding contributions to me at the Army headquarters, Cuba Street. Each donation will be acknowledged, and at suitable times will be remitted to the Salvation Army's Basque children relief fund at Home."