UNEXPECTED REFUGEES

Hawera Star, Volume L, 13 February 1931, Page 4

UNEXPECTED REFUGEES

SURPRISE FOR COMMITTEE. PARTY ARRIVES BY TRAIN. In the face of the definite statement by the Mayor of Palmerston North and Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., that no more refugees would .be sent to Hawera, a band of twenty-five arrived most unexpectedly by last night’s express. The first intimation Mr. Pacey and the relief committee received was a telephone message from the station that a number of refugees were there and wandering about not knowing what to do or where to go. Mr. and Aire. Pacey at once got in touch with Rev. It. E. Evans and members of the billetting committee, and also several of the relief committee. The refugees were brought up by taxis and a private car to the Presbyterian Hall, where a feverish time was spent in, arranging for the housing of the party.. Three were taken by friends to Matapu, and later on in the evening six were found quarters at Oiiawe. The rest were accommodated at the Dominion Hotel and boarding nousegi for the night. Definite and permanent arrangements will be made to-dav.

The party apparently had been in Palmerston North only a day or two and were given the proper passes for transmission by train to Hawera. An attempt was made by Mr. Pacey and Mr. Dickie to communicate with the Palmerston North authorities last night, but without success. Air. Dickie said he had seen Mr. Nash at 11 o’clock on Wednesday night and had been told most definitely there would be no more sent.

“There lias been some muddling somewhere,” said Air. Pacey, “but I would like it known that it was not at this end.”

The names of the party are as follow : Airs. Ei. M. Williams, 401 Selvan Road. Hastings; K. K. Rofe, no address; Airs. 1. Taylor and three children, no address; Airs. A. Ford and eight children, Havelock North; Airs. A. Wilson and three children, Wharerangi Road, Greenmeadowis; Mr. and Airs. Rowland Smith and three children, Wharerangi Road, Greenmeadowis; Air. and Airs. J. C. Stewart, 408 French Street, Hastings.