CHILDREN FROM ’QUAKE ZONE

Hawera Star, Volume L, 20 February 1931, Page 9

CHILDREN FROM ’QUAKE ZONE

* PROVIDING- NEW HOMES. CO-OPERATION IN VI TED. (By To leg rap I)—Press Association.) NELSON, Feb. 20. The Hon. ITT. Atniore, Minister of Education stated to-day that in view of the number of children from the devastated area in Hawke ’s Bay who have been placed out in private homes, either direct or from refugee gimps, and also of the fact that a number of applications have been received by the Child Welfare branch of this Department from people who are willing to take such children and in some cases adopt children who have lost their parents .as the result of the earthquake, lie considered it necessary to make a public announcement covering the position.

The Minister said that if all such eases were reported to the nearest district officer of the Child Welfare branch arrangements would be made for investigation and action. In the course of its ordinary duties the branch is required to investigate and report on all applications for adoptions and under the provisions of part ;> of the Infants’ Act it also supervises all cases where children under six years are maintained, whether for payment or not, in private homes apart from their parents. Child Welfare offices exist in the principle centres and officers attached thereto can always be referred to and are available to give advice and make investigations or supervise any child or family who in these special circumstances is likely to require permanent social readjustment. Mr Atniore invites the co-operation of relief committees and pi ivate. social service organisations, particularly in the direction of notifying the nearest Child Welfare officer of any cases where children have been placed, either with a view to adoption or for board other than merely for temporary arrangements. Foster parents of State children, or children placed under the infant life protection scheme, who have removed from the devastated areas should communicate as early as possible with the nearest 'Child Welfare officer.

DISTRICT RELIEF FUNDS “HAWERA STAR” LIST. Previously acknowledged ... 606 14 6 Mr and Airs J. A. Dnlget-ty 5 0 0 Total £6ll 14 6