A fear which was entertained earlier in the week that Bournemouth would not, after all, be able to extend hospitality to Belgian refugees has happily proved groundless.

The Local Government Board, however, in reply to a communication from the Town Clerk (Mr Herbert Ashling) has stated that, while it has no knowledge of any proposal to remove refugees already in Bournemouth, the local committee should not receive more of the refugees.

This information was forthcoming as the result of an offer by the Town to receive a batch of refugees.

The Town Clerk on Tuesday telegraphed to the Belgian refugee committee saying Bournemouth was prepared to receive at once a batch of Belgian refugees.

For this purpose, it was added, a house in Cotlands Road had been lent.

During the evening of the same day the following telegraph was received from Lord Lytton, of the Refugee Committee: “Much regret the Home Office prohibits your area for refugees.”

As it did not appear clear whether this prohibition related to refugees already here or the additional ones Bournemouth contemplated receiving, and as the Press notices of prohibition on Wednesday did not include Bournemouth among the prohibited towns, the Town Clerk yesterday telegraphed to the Home Office for further information.

The reply received last evening was as follows: “Board have no knowledge of any proposal to remove refugees already in Bournemouth but no more should be received by the local committee – Secretary, Local Government Board.”

Under any circumstances, therefore, the work of the Relief Committee will proceed uninterrupted, and as expenses are now pressing most heavily, all available funds will be required to meet them.

It may be noted that although the Home Office was communicated with, the reply was received from the Local Government Board.

Taken from Bournemouth Daily Echo, Thursday October 22, 1914