NEW ZEALAND'S BELGIAN AID CONTRIBUTIONS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 19 May 1915, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND'S BELGIAN AID CONTRIBUTIONS.

BY CABLE-PBES3 ASSOCIATION— COPYRIGHT. (Received May 19, 11.25 a.m.)

LONDON, May 18. Mr Hareourt, in the House of Commons, said the Government- heartily appreciated the offer of New Zealand mechanics to assist in the manufacture of munitions, but in view of the distance, the uncertainty regarding numbers, and the difficulties of ascertaining their exact degree of skill it was impossible to arrange transport to Britain. No doubt if qualified workers of the highly skilled classes of the engineering and shipyards labor came here prepared to accept the British standard of wages they would be readily placed in employment at armament works.

The first meeting of the national committee foi- relief of the Belgians was held at the Mansion House.

Mr T. Mackenzie said that New Zealand had contributed £216,000, including £50,000 from Canterbury. NewZealand recognised Belgium's splendid stand for liberty, and regarded it as a duty and privilege to help her. The Lord Mayor acknowledged Britain's indebtedness to New Zealand's valiant effort. •