DUTCH EVACUEES TO EMBARK TO-DAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 167, 20 July 1946, Page 5

DUTCH EVACUEES TO EMBARK TO-DAY

RETURNING TO HOLLAND AND N.E.I. (P.A.) Auckland, July 19. On Ijheir way back to rebuild their lives in war-devastated Holland and the Netherlands East Indies, which is still the scene of racial and political strife, 248 of 400 Dutch evacuees at Oranje Camp, Remuera. will embark on the Dutch ship Tasman to-morrow afternoon.

Immeasurably improved in health since their arrival in New Zealand earlier this year, the evacuees cannot fully express the gratitude they ieel for the welcome and hospitality they have received. Many have come to regard New Zealand as their home and they are not happy to be returning to countries which face a turbulent and difficult future. . The Tasman, which arrived at Auckland to-day, will leave for Wellington on Sunday mornin' to embark a further 200 Dutch passengers who have been accommodated in southern centres. The vessel will then leave for Brisbane.

About 250 of the Tasman’s passengers who are bound for Holland will be transferred at. Brisbane to the Voiendon. The remainder will stay in Brisbane until they receive permission to return to Java.

Mr. H. A. Bouman, of the Netherlands Consulate, Wellington, who has come to Auckland to assist in the repatriation, said that between 20 and 30 of the evacuees were remaining in New Zealand. No obstacles were being placed in their way ir/ the Dutch or New Zealand authorities. They had to guarantee, however, that they could find a position or that, they would not be a charge on the State.