RELIEF COMMITTEE.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9520, 12 September 1896, Page 8

RELIEF COMMITTEE.

The adjourned meeting of the Relief Committee was held yesterday. Present— His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs W. H. Cooper, E. Early, C. H. Williams, C. Burgess, T. Burgess (Hon. Sec.) and Ballinger. The Mayor stated that £2 16s had been received since last meeting. A 'letter was read from Rev. S. Baker, Congregational minister, stating that, as they had the care of their own poor to look after, they regretted that they could not contribute to the funds. A letter was read from the Bootmakers' Union, also stating that they regretted that they could not contribute. Mr Cooper mentioned that the amount in hand would be about £60; that would enable them to carry on for a fortnight, as their wages list was about £50 per week. Mr C Betrgess moved—"That the sum of £3 3s be voted to the Secretary as a honorarium for his services." Mr Williams seconded the motion. Mr Cooper thought that £2 2s was sufficient under the circumstances of the case. Mr Ballinger thought with Mr Cooper that as the fund was a small one, the sum of £2 2s was one which they ought to vote. Mr Early was of opinion that Afr Burgess, for the Secretarial work which he had done, was entitled to the £3 3s proposed. After some discussion it was resolved that the sum of £3 3s be voted to cover Secretarial work and out-of-pocket expenses.

Mr Burgess called attention to the case of a man who had been employed by the Public Works Department up to the 25th August and who had put his name down as unemployed. Mr Cooper moved—" That the meu now employed be discharged on Saturday week, and that if any funds remain the Sub-Com-mittee have power to engage men to work out the funds."

This was agreed to. Mr Cooper reported that the Typographical Association, through their "Secretary, had stated that, owing to the calls upon them, they were unable to contribute to the fund this year.

The meeting then adjourned for a fortnight.