JEWISH REFUGEES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23218, 12 December 1938, Page 12

JEWISH REFUGEES

PARTY ON AORANGI 22 LAND IN AUCKLAND OVER 100 FOR AUSTRALIA A largo , party of Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria was included in the passengers by the liner Aorangi, which arrived last night from Vancouver. Altogether 22 landed at Auckland, but the remainder, about 130, aro bound for Australia. Some of them have employment assured and others aro hoping to find suitable work on arrival. The utmost reticence was observed by the refugees concerning the treatment meted out to Jews by the Nazis. Several said that they were looking forward to starting life afresh in a free land, but all who were approached refused to give details of recent happenings in Europe. It was explained that most of them still had relatives in Germany or Austria. Many of the refugees speak fluent English, and there are few among them who cannot make themselves understood. Some of the older people had a little difficulty, and one or two had recourse to the services of a younger member of the family through whom they expressed themselves in English. The party ranges from* children to men and women well advanced in years. Mail from Europe was eagerly sought as soon as the liner was alongside, and there was a long queue at the ship s bureau waiting for letters. Some letters at least must have contained bad news. One recipient remarked solemnly to another: "We must try to keep smiling."