Untitled

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9385, 8 April 1896, Page 5

Following are extracts from a letter which we have received from the Hen. W. Rolleston: — "I have been much pleased iv reading Dr. Elmslie's paper on our Charitable Aid system. The problem to be solved is growing to hutje dimensions. Dr. Elmslie calls the public attention back to first principles on the lines laid down by Dr. Chalmers, one of the greatest men of this century. . . It is refreshing to see that all classes have risen to the occasion in the case of the Brunnorton disaster, and have shaken themselves free from the notion that what is here wanted is the bare relief of necessity,, as in out* ordinary Charitable Aid cases, falsely so called. It would be a national disgrace if this question were approached from that point of view. Iα this remote corner of the world I have found there is a most healthy desire among the working classes to give help to the sufferers, and to make che fund an expres-

sion of the sympathy of the whole people,

not a gauge of the wants of the sufferers. The good which will come oub of the raising of this feeling is incalculable. It is only here aud there that you hear the notion expressed that the relief from insurance funds may be thought as diminishing the call tor personal and private exertion. The suggestion of the Press as to the contributions by children was a very happy one. The horrors of the calamity have beeu much mitigated by the creation of a sympathetic and unselfish feeling throughout the country. It only now remains to see that the fuud shall be administered in the same spirit—that a body of independent trustees shall be appointed, perhaps in conjunction with the Public Trustee, and that the idea of pauperism which attaches to State relief shall bo kept clear of the whole thing. I have heard it suggested that the families should be congregated in one place. I think this would be entirely wrong. They should be free to settle among their friends whereever they may choose. Nor do I think ib would be right to con-

template the existence hereafter of a surplus fund, as in the case of the Kaitangata disaster. The moneys now contributed should be applied solely to the purpose for which they are given, nob to lessen the, obligation of posterity or limit the liberality which will be forthcoming on future occasions when required. It will require considerable care to prepare a scheme to look beyond the emergencies of the present, and to remain a monument it may be for years to come of jvhat can bo done to maeb a case

like this. To be trying to save the pockets of future generations, end devote present sympathy to future calamities is alien from the quality which 'is twice blest, whioh blssseth him who gives and him who takes." .

Mrs Napier-Bell has secured a strong array of talent foe the concerb she has arranged in aid of the Bruunerton relief fund in the Duaedsn Garriaou Hall on Friday. On Thursday evening laab a meeting of the residents was held in the Flaxton Main School to devise means of assisting the sufferers by the Brunnorton disaster, Mr Ctiftbterfcon, Chairman of the School Committee, occupying the chair. A strong Committee was formed for- the purpose of conducting an entertainment and dance in the Druids' Hall, Ohoka, on Friday next. Mr H. Bussell was elected Hon. Secretary. It was reported that collections were being taken up by the different religious denominations. The employers and employees of the Kin loch estate, Little River, have subscribed £40 2a 3d to the fund for the relief of the Brunner sufferers. The amouut was collected by Mr J, Knellor and forwarded to Bcunncrton last week through the Bank of New Zealand, Akatoa.

The Waimato Branch 'of the Waimate Workers' Union, on Saturday, decided, subject to the approval of the Escoutive, to head a subscription list with £5 in aid of the sufferers through the Brunner disaster, and to hold a meeting on Saturday next to try and fucthec increase the subscriptions.

The proceeds of a concert which is to be held in South Malvern Schoolroom on Friday evening are, by the unanimous wish of the children, to be handed over as their contribution to the Brunner relief fund. The concert was to have been in aid of the school treat.

A very successful concert and dance was held in the Annat Schoolroom 6a Monday night in aid of the Bruaner relief fund. A meeting of the delegates from the various cycling and other clubs interested in the Demonstration Gala was held l&st night at the P.B.C. rooms. Mr Marie occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance. The queetion of the postponement of the gala was the first bueinees. Mr G. R. Hart moved—" That in deference to the opinion expressed by some of the leading business firms in Christchurch as, to the postponement of the gala, this meeting agrees to accede to their wish, and decides to postpone the gala till Thursday, 16th inst." Mr J, O. Cusack seconded the motion, which, after somo disoasaion, waa | put and. carried unanimously. Mr Hart < reported on behalf of the Prize Collecting Committee that fourteen had already been promised. ~ It* was resolved to hold the concert in the Temple of Truth on Thursday evening the 9th inst. It was decided to ask the Engineers' Band to play from Mancheater street up to the Temole, and Superintendent Smith kindly offered to supply torches for the occasion. We are informed that the sum of £13 12s 5d has been paid into the Diooesas. Registrar's hands by St. Saviour's Church, Sydenham. Thin sum, which includes £2 • 15s Id from the Sunday-school, was contributed in special envelopes on Easter Bunday, without materially affecting the Easter offering to the Vicar. A very successful entertainment in aid of the Brunner Relief fund was given in St, Mary's schoolroom last evening by the children attending Miss Hookley's kindergarten Bchool. The room was crowded to excess, and the various items, were well received. The entertainment was organised by the children themselves, under the superintendence of Miss Hookley and her assistant teachers, and it is expected that the net proceeds will amount to nearly £8.