SHIPPING EMBARGO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17144, 25 April 1919, Page 4

SHIPPING EMBARGO.

STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS. FINANCIAL HELP ASKED. "SEVERAL WOMEN PENNILESS." [bi telegbaph.— correspondent.] WELLINGTON. Thursday. In reference to the prohibition of the passenger service betweta Australia and New Zealand, the Mayor, Mr. J. P. Luke, received the following cablegram from Sydney to-day :—" Several women are penniless and wailing to return. Can yon influence financial assistance. Reply Government office.—Kent." Mr. Luke referred to the posil : on in November last, when so many Austra; lions were stranded in Wellington. He stated that with the generous assistance of several citizens, he was able to give financial aid to many, particularly in the way of paying their hotel expenses, etc. He went further than that, and even made arrangements for boat passages and for the payment of fares. At least 15 people, some of whom were well-to-do, but who experienced d faculties in obtaining money from Austialia, had left with him notes of hand for amounts advanced. Not one of those " scraps of paper" had been redeemed

Mr. Luke added that he thought it would be well for Sydney and other Australian cities to reciprocate the kindness and generosity accorded by Wellington. However, any appeal for financial assistance shcu'd come through the Government. It was purely a matter for the general Government. He did not know who had signed the cab'eeram, and he could not take notice of such an unofficial communication. PROVISION OF A HOME. PRIVATE OFFER TO DISTRESSED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Rod. 9.50 wn) SYDNEY, April 24. Mr. J. Kirkwood, an ex-New Zealander, has placed his home at Brighton Le Sands at the disposal of 15 stranded New Zealandere.