THE SPIRIT OF THE DAWN CASTAWAYS.

The survivors of the shipwrecked crew of the Spirit of the Dawn left Dunedin on the 6fch by the Government steamer Hinemoa for Wellington, where an inquiry will be held into the circumstances surrounding the loss of their barque. They were provided with lodgings here by the Government, who also furnished them with clothing, and the owners of the Spirit of tte Dawn were drawn upon, we understand, for a small amount of pocket money for the men. Under these circumstances, and in view of the fact that the crew are entitled, under the Board of Trade regulations, to passages Home by the first vessels with sufficient accommodation, it is suggested that their case is one which doe 3 not make any great demand upon the public charity. The position of the halfcaste lad, who is at present in the hospital, is, however, unquestionably hard. It will probably be deemed advisable to send him to his parents iti Rangoon, and as there is no direct communication between New Zealand and that port, the cost of his passage home is likely to be heavy. We have to acknowledge receipt of the following subFcupticns in aid of the castaways : — M. J. Monkman, £1 ; W. Emery, £1 Is ; H.G.F., 6s; A.M.8., ss; P., 53.