WILKINS FAMILY IN CHRISTCHURCH

Northern Advocate, 31 March 1938, Page 7

WILKINS FAMILY IN CHRISTCHURCH

[Special To “Northern Advocate ”s AUCKLAND, This , Day. After their epir trip by foot, rail and boat, from Bangiawhia Peninsula, Doubtless Bay, Northland, to the South Island, Mrs F. Wilkins and her family of ten children have found satisfactory housing in Christchurch, through the efforts of Mr P, B. L. Broad, of the Mayor’s office. The, family abandoned their 900-acre holding on the peninsula a few weeks ago, finding that they could not continue after 12 years’ battle for existence. They set out on foot for Wellington to place their case before the Prime Minister, and to ask that arrangements be made to exchange their property or realise some of its value through Government aid. They then went to Christchurch,: where Mr Broad, who took lip their case, made an appeal for articles of furniture, crockery and cutlery, sufficient beds being given toy those interested in the family. It was expected that the family, who have been staying at a private hotel since their arrival last week, would enter their new home during the week. The older sons are skilled botanists, and have a wide knowledge of native fauna and flora. Mr Broad stated that he was getting in touch with the Training College to see what could be done in the matter.