SAD HEARTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26114, 29 March 1946, Page 4

SAD HEARTS

FIANCEES DISAPPOINTED * NO BERTHS ON MONTEREY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Mar. 28. Scattered throughout. New Zealand there are 50 sad hearts to-day—those of fiancees of United States servicemen who now learn that they, will not be leaving on the Monterey from Auckland on Monday. All the girls had completed preparations in expectation of leaving by the vessel. Allocations had been made for 350 dependents of Americans to leave from Auckland, but as the result of 50 wives declining to make the trip for various reasons, it was hoped to replace them with fiancees. It is believed, however, that, on representations made from Australia, the berths will be allotted to Australian wives, of whom there are still about 3000 in the Commonwealth. No guarantee can be given to the disappointed New Zealand girls that they will obtain passages in the near future, although it is expected that more ships will be available to the United States next month.

From the legal standpoint the fiancees are not dependents and therefore do not enjoy the special transport arrangements made by the American Government for wives and children. From inquiries made at the United States Legation to-day, it was established that of 1000 fiancees of American servicemen in the Dominion, only 80 have taken the necessary legal steps to show themselves admissible to the United States. No specific reason could be given for the position, but it was pointed out that recentlydischarged servicemen might find difficulty in providing passage money. Some girls had wisely allowed the money allotted to them to accumulate in America or had set it aside as it arrived here. Fiancees who have completed all the formalities would have to apply through the shipping agencies for accommodation in the normal manner.