STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11820, 3 May 1919, Page 6

STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS.

THE MINISTER’S EXLPANATION Per Press Association. Christchurch, May 2. Referring to the cable from Syd uey, stating that stranded New Zealanders are dissatisfied at what they claimed to be discrimination in allowing soldiers and munition workers to return to New Zealand, while civilians were debarred, the Hon. Russell said he was surprised at the statement as no Ministerial authority had been given for relaxation of the embargo. While appreciating the work of soldiers and munition workers, he could not differentiate between different classes of the community. If the Health Department had cabled permission it was done on its own responsibility and the matter would be inquired into. He had received information from Wellington that a small body of soldiers were eu route to New Zealand, but no consent would be given to the Defence Department to the transfer of ruuniiton workers until there were more effective quarantine stations. The embargo would be rigidly enforced with regard to stranded New Zealanders. A cable had not been forwarded to the Government agent authorising him to make the necessary advances for their maintenance.