SPLENDID HOME FOR BELGIAN REFUGEES

Inangahua Times, 15 November 1915, Page 2 (Supplement)

SPLENDID HOME FOR BELGIAN REFUGEES

I.C.S. Provide Great Estate for Their Accommodation

Shortly after the declaration of war the I.C.S. placed all the buildings and grounds of Highfieid, a large and beautiful estate at Hendon, London, unreservedly at the disposal of the War Office, for use as a nursing or convalescent Hospital. Highfieid was purchased by the Schools a few months ago as a site for new Headquarters, the present large building now occupied in Kingsway, though it accommodates a staff of about 600, having become too small for the ever-growing activities of our great educational institution. The Military Authorities received our offer with cordial thanks and would undoubtedly have sent wounded soldiers to Highfieid. But before they had occasion to do so another suggestion was made which had an instantaneous appeal toour sympathies and our consideration. It was that Highfieid be used as a home for Belgian refugees.

HELPING TO RELIEVE APPALLING DISTRESS

The people of the fair land that was guaranteed protection but which has been ruthlessly laid waste by the German invaders, are in a state of distress so appalling and pitiable that few of us in our own more fortunately situated country can form any real conception of it. Tens of thousands of these unhappy people, whose homes have been ruined and whose lives are wrecked, have been brought to England, to stay here till happier days. Britain owes an immense debt to Belgium for the latter's wonderfully heroic stand against the Huns; but some of this debt can be repaid by our doing all we possibly can to relieve the distress of the people who have come to our shores and are dependent upon our generosity. Therefore, after consulting the War Office Authorities and obtaining their' hearty approval, the I.C.S. handed over Highfield to the Reverend Mother of La Sagesse Convent (which is situated close to our estate), who has charge of a large number of refugees and is carrying out her nobly beneficent work with the greatest efficiency and devotion. Highfield has been visited by the Duchesse de Vendome, sister of King Albert of Belgium, and the Duchess of Somerset, who expressed their delight with the buildings and grounds.