THE HUNTLY DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 30, 5 February 1891, Page 4

THE HUNTLY DISASTER.

It ia probably only because people have not realised what a really terrible affair the Huntly disaster was, and the amount of desolation ib has caused, that subscriptions for the disaster fund are not pouring in more liberally. Ib is hard to realise death and misery in this brighb summer weather, when everything seems so full of joyous life, and people are very apb to somewhat seliishly pub away thoughts that only make them feel uncomfortable. But the distress caused amongst the families of the men who were killed and injured is nob only mental, bub physical. Nobbing can be done to comfort them for fche loss and affliction they have sustained. Time alone can soften that blow, bub a little timely help will prevent them suffering physically. The bread-winners have been killed or disabled in the performance of_ their duties. We must see that bhe wives and children are nob neglected, and unless funds are forthcoming they will suffer severely. Surely the appeal on behalf of men who died at the post ot duty shall not be made

in vain. Casby was a widower and leaves two children. They have been taken by their grandmother, who cannot however support them unaided. Tracy had been married six months and leaves a young wife. Smith leaves a wife, but no children. Harris was unmarried. Hyndman, injured while endeavouring to rescue his buried comrades, ie in the hospital. He will probably never be able to work again, and unless we do something in the way of subscription his wife and his children will have very hard times. He will receive £1 forsixmonthsfromthe Union, but when that is done there will be no money and no work. Tracey and Casby's families have each received a lump sum of £50 from the Union, but that will not last for ever. Casby'e mother, who has taken charge ofhia children, has ten children already, and no means. -It is, therefore, necessary that the public should feel roused, and take some interest and trouble. The concert ab Huntly netted £11, and there was one given by Miss Vaughan at the City Hall. A fund has been opened a» this office, where subscriptions will be received and duly acknowledged. We have to acknowledge receipt of £5 from Mr H. Brett towards this deserving object.