IMMIGRANTS NEWLY ARRIVED IN CITY GIVEN RECEPTION

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 June 1949, Page 4

IMMIGRANTS NEWLY ARRIVED IN CITY GIVEN RECEPTION

Immigrants who arrived at Wanganui recently were welcomed at a social gathering arranged in the Y.M.C.A. last night as part of the activties of the newly-formed Immigration WeLare Committee in the city.

The object of the gathering, si I .nd of its kind held in Wanganui, was to enable new arrivals to meet socially and form friendships which will help them settle in their new country. Principal organisers of the gathering were the general secretary of the Y.M.C.A., Mr. G. Nelson, and the secretary of the Y.W.C.A., Miss E. W. Jebson, both of whom extended a welcome to the new settlers.

Other speakers were the president of the Wanganui Employers’ Association, Mr. S. J. Sullivan, Mr. W. G. Seabrook, and Mr. J. Hicks, immigration officer for the Department of Labour and Employment. Apologies were receiver from the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C., and Mrs. A. K. Mac Lean.. In all, 40 invitations were extended, and of these 14 arrived recently by the Atlantis.

With a log Are blazing merrily, the main lounge of the Y.M.C.A. presented a homely scene and the evening was spent with musical items and community singing. As more immigrants arrive from overseas they will most likely form an association and arrange their own social gatherings. A roll was taken last night of the visitors and where they had come from. The list is available at the Y.M.C.A. for inspection.