POLISH REFUGEES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 28 June 1943, Page 2

POLISH REFUGEES

HEARTFELT THANKS IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTE TO OUR SOLDIERS I To the Editor J Sir.—May I ask indulgence for space in your columns to express to the people of New Zealand, my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful kindness and generosity recently extended to my fellow-countrymen? Some time ago, quite unexpectedly, a ship arrived with 700 Polish refugees, mostly women and orphan children, released from prison camps. They were the first contingent of 10,000 to whom hospitality has been offered in Mexico, and the Polish Consul in Bombay, who escorted them, told me that while they were now very well-fed, they badly needed essential clothing. Having already experienced the generosity of the people of New Zealand, who, through the National Patriotic Fund Board and the Lady Galway Guild, have in the past helped us so willingly, I felt confident that I could again ask them for help. The response was overwhelmingly greater than I could possibly have hoped for. In the space of three short hours, the Wellington Red Cross and the Joint Council, assisted by Junior Red Cross, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and other kindred organisations quickly and efficiently arranged magnificent assistance in the form of large quantities of excellent clothing of all kinds. Deeply was this generous assistance appreciated by the Polish people, not only the material help, but also the kindly spirit which prompted it. I was able to visit them on the ship and can bear witness to their needs. What I saw would leave an unforgettable impression on any heart. It was not only their physical appearance—nearly all of them had had malaria and half of them scurvy from malnutrition —but it was the expression in the children’s eyes. The captain of the ship told me: “These children never cry, the cause no trouble on board.” And one of the Polish teachers added, “Nor do they laugh.” I am very sorry that the strict rules of security would not permit some of the people of Wellmgton to visit these children. Had they bee n able to do so, they would indeed have seen for themselves just what this war has done. On e thing more I should like to add. Many sick and wounded New Zealand soldiers returned on this ship. One of the Polish ladies, Madame Tyszkiewicz, a personal friend of m' \ told me, “The New Zealand soldiers are not only famous, modern warriors, they have also some qualities of the noble knights of old, every one is a perfect gentleman. Tell me, please, what kind of a country is this New Zealand that gives such sons?” I told her. . . —I am, etc., MARIA WODZICKA. Delegate of Polish Red Cross to the Red Cross Society of New Zealand Wellington, 23rd June.