THE WAIRARAPA FUND.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8962, 28 November 1894, Page 3

THE WAIRARAPA FUND.

TO THE EDITOR OF THB PBES-. Sir,—The returns published by the Mayor of Wellington show-that the total so far raised is inadequate to meet demands. Neglect to support, the fund is. to be found, I think, in the,apology of the .Mayor of Danedin for his city's miserable contribution of £100.. "That a vigorous,;canvass would be r made if more were wanted." What has killed the spirit of giving throughoat the country is apparently, the general knowledge of large surpluses being in hand from former catastrophes—the Clutha, Kaitangata, and other relief funds and fear on the part of the public that they may be similarly "had" now. A seafaring friend, who has seen many of these funds distributed, tells ma that the surpluses are due to the distribution of the lands falling into the bauds of hard-fisted

men, who treat claimants as rogues seeking to get the better of them. Meeting such treatment, those lor whom the fund was subscribed cease to put forward their claims, with the result that a large surplus is left, and this lapses as a rulo to the district in which the catastrophe happened. Thus, according to my informant, Nelson some years ago got a large windfall from one of these colonial subscriptions, aud eventually devoted it to the purchase p_f a public park. Probably, bad the fund, been appropriated sympathetically and liberally there would not have been any surpluses. Allowing there may be attempts at over-reaching, it is surely better to err on the side of liberality to some few sufferers, thau to I;reat the great body in a curmudgeon spirit. However, to turn to present needs. It ia to be regretted that no statistics have been published as to the number of destitute left, and which must be large in view of the heavy loss of life. Also as regards the saved, many of tho passengers and crow lost everything; and these should at provided with £20 or £30 a-piece to reinstate themselves with clothing and other necessaries, and to enable them to reach their destinations not penniless. But, having a pre-eminent claim upon us above and beyond ail these, there are the orphan children of the stewardess, Mrs McDonald, whose heroic couduct, iu taking off her life-belt and bestowing it on a child, shines out in bright relief on that night of terror. Daily do we hear the praises sung of the Charge of the Light Brigade, yet —without wishing to detract—l would say that our heroine surpassed them: for which is the nobler, the man charging into the valley of death iu daylight with six hundred of his fellows, with bands playing, and an applauding ' army looking on * or the mother, at dead ot | night, and in a tempestuous sea, voluntarily laying down her life, and all hope of again seeing her children ? Surely the least tribute we can pay to Mrs McDonald's noble memory is to provide for the education and apprenticeship of her orphan children I How many are left I know not, but to endow them, and also to save all other? from want, unquestionably calls for a large addition to the fund.

Country districts may be appealed to for this addition, as having so far shown themselves sadly wanting in practical sympathy. May I commend to their notice the example of the Peninsula ? In a fortnight £72 has beeu raised by canvass, and by another week, when all lists shall have come in, this is expected to be swelled to between £80 and £90, If other districts will follow suit, many a bereaved home will be permanently rendered happier and brighter.—Yours, &c, VV. H. Heknisq.