MEALS FOR REFUGEES

Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3262, 19 February 1931, Page 5

MEALS FOR REFUGEES

GOVERNMENT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND SITUATION. “The action of the Government in refusing to give refreshment to refugees at railway stations is unjust. Please consider women and children travelling from Hawke’s Bay. Many cases are penniless. I trust you will cancel instructions given immediately.”—The above wire was sent to the Prime Minister on Monday by Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., says the Manawatu Times.

Mr Nash, who has had complete charge of all matter relating to the transport of refugees, explained at the Unemployment Committee on Monday that he had received word on Saturday that no further refreshments were to be supplied to refugees by the railway department and that similar instructions had been issued at other stations. “It is quite evident that they do not understand the position,” added Mr Nash. “ Many of these unforbunate people are without money, and though it is possible to send some of them over to the Showgrounds for refreshments, refugees going on immediately by other trains have not the time to go to the camp, nor is it right to ask a woman wi£h four or five little children to go over to the camp. Provision should be made to give them the necessary refreeshment at the station.” Mr Nash received the following reply from the Prime Minister:—“ On inquiry I find it was necessary to take some action to prevent abuse of the privilege that had been extended to the people from Napier and Hastings but with a view to seeing what reasonable arrangements can be made to safeguard the position I am conferring with the Minister of Railways in the morning on his return from the North.”