ON THE WAY HOME

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23279, 15 August 1945, Page 4

ON THE WAY HOME

First Draft Of British Evacuees

(N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON. Alm, 14. British boys and girls who have been resident in New Zealand during the war years are now returning to their homes in Great Britain, and the first nart.y of about 40 was farewelled before sailing from Wellington recently, by Sir Patrick Dull. High Commissioner lor the United Kingdom in New Zealand. Some of the foster-parents had come from the Far North to see tlvii charges safely w mbarked. Most of the children and also those who had grown bevond childhood, expressed deep regret at ' leaving and practically al! of them had packed New Zealand gifts lor their parents. Before embarking a committee of five girls and four boys was set up to look after all social and educational arrangements during the voyage. The private finances of the party were to be managed by two of the girls wh< had been working in banks. As th travellers passed up th? vangwav the Wellington Waterside Junior Band played a Maori farewell song and individual groups linked arms to the final strain* of “Auld Lang Syne.” Sir Patrick Du fl’ paid a tribute to all those who had taken an interest : i the well-being of the evacuees, to the schools a»id their staffs and the Child Welfare Branch and manv others, to whom he also p'-n’-essed ’he gratitude of the P r itbh n ove r ninenl.