CIRCUIT" ERON EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

Grey River Argus, 5 December 1918, Page 3

CIRCUIT" ERON EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

At the public meeting at the Town Hall yesterday, in conne-;uo n wilh the j epidemic fund, 11 «s Worship the , Mayor (,Mr -J. D. livnch) read the following circular which he had received from the Education Department: — (i Wellington, » 2-Sth Nov., 1913. 'His Worship the Mayor, Greymouth. "Sir. — It is understood that in various centres children have been left destitute owing to the death of one or both" ul" their parents during the influenza epidemic. The education Dopnrtnwnt has offices and representatives accustomed to dealing with such cases in all centres, and, if necessary, the Department , will probably be prepared to deal with all urgent cases on a uniform bnsis throughout New Zealand. It seems desirable to make a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the number of children in the position referred to. I shall be glad, therefore, if you would telegraph to the Department at the earliest date the following information: — <a) The ijumher of children in the area that ha« come under your notice during the epidemic, who hnte lost" both parents during tTle epidemic, and who are likely to be in need of guardianship other than that of relatives. (b\ With the same reference the number of children who have lost thnir one remaining parent. (c) Witl) the same reference the number of children who "have lost one parent, and who could not Aw wired for at home by the remaining parent even with assistance. "It is not intended that the above should refer to rhildre n whoM» remaining parent or relatives could properly care for the children with some asistajice either from relief funds or from the Charitable Aid Board. The Department is concerned only with those children who would otherwise be left destitute, or whose remaining parent cannot maintain a home. / "The Department would also be glad if .you would, as sqon as possible afterwards, forward the names, ages and addresses* of the children (if any) covered by. your telegram, and state ,tfje names of the neare"st relativs (it $ay) and any provision which any local authority is making onv their "behalf. "J have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, (Signed); J. McCAUGHLEY. Assistant Director- of Education."