Hearing the apology given by British Prime Minister Gordon
Brown for his country's post-war child migrant scheme had
John McGrory, of Dunedin, wiping his eyes.
Mr McGrory was one of three New Zealanders selected to fly to
London as guests of the British Government to hear the
apology.
The scheme sent thousands of children to Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, Zimbabwe and South Africa between 1948 and
1954.
Mr McGrory, who returned from the United Kingdom this week,
was aged 13 when he was sent to Dunedin and had a happy life
with his foster parents, unlike many others who faced abuse.
"I myself had a good home, but I was happy to be there for
those who couldn't make it and accept it on their behalf."
It was an emotional experience, which resulted in him "wiping
my eyes quite often", he said.
When he shook Mr Brown's hand, he told him that he had become
a good citizen in New Zealand and had a happy home life.
"He was very nice."
Mr McGrory extended his visit when a nephew paid for his trip
to Glasgow to visit family he had not seen for some years, as
well as meet a niece for the first time.
"It was good to see them all."
The only down side of his trip was losing his camera, Mr
McGrory said.
He was still hoping to track it down as the photographs on it
were very special to him.
- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.