OFFER OF HOMES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20260, 30 May 1940, Page 6

OFFER OF HOMES

ORPHANS OF BRITAIN NAPIER MAYOR’S PLAN ___ I NEW ZEALAND APPEAL WIDESPREAD SUPPORT (Por Press Association.) NAPIER, this day. A proposal that New Zealand should absorb in the cities and principal towns 25,000 children from England who are homeless and without parents has been launched by the Mayor of Napier, Mr. T. W. Hercock, who yesterday dispatched 50 telegrams to mayors throughout the Dominion asking for immediate consideration of the scheme and an immediate reply. In his telegram he asked the mayors if they would join with him in a petition to the Government to offer hospitality and, if necessary, permanent adoption in individual homes to 25,000 British children as soon as could be arranged. Of the 40 replies received last evening 32 whole-heartedly supported the proposal, two stated that the matter was being referred to the councils concerned and the remainder indicated that the mayors concerned were not prepared to express an opinion at present. The petition was to be presented to Parliament on its opening to-day. “The assistance received in the earthquake evacuation is our reason for the taking of the initiative,” commented Hr. Hercock in his telegram. LONDON COMMENT (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. May 30. 9 a.m.) LONDON, May 29. It is learned that the question of New Zealand taking refugee children from Britain, as reported from Auckland, has not yet been raised in London.