A Deadlock.

Evening Star, Issue 8613, 5 September 1891, Page 4

A Deadlock.

In the course of the discussion connected with the relief of the sufferers by the recent Kakanui disaster, the fact was brought to light that, after meeting all claims, the t.-ustees of the Clutha relief fund, established at the time of the Hood of 1878, had a surplus of LSOO, and that, with interest, the sum now available amounts to 11,000. Had the true state of the matter been known, it is just possible the claims of same who were justly entitled to relief from the fuod, but who failed to apply at the time, would have been lodged. Oae such claim was recently submitted to the trustees—viz , that of Mrs Davidson, widow of Alexander Davidson, who was drowned at Balclutha during the flood. Mrs Davidson now resides in Dunedin, and is most respectable, bard working, deserving, and uncomplaining, and has had a bard struggle to maintain herself and family during all these years. The trustees of the fund are Messrs Keith Ramsay and C. S. Reeves. Both these gentlemen recognise that Mrs Davidson is fully entitled to relief from the fund, but there is a difficulty in the way of their extending that relief, as the members of the local Committee here were are all cither dead or have left the country, while the Central Committee in Danedin was dissolved long ago. Under these circumstances the trustees- feel that, much as they would wish to do so, they have no power to give the relief asked for without instructions from the Committee; and the Committee are non-existent. The opinion of the Hon. W. D. Stewart and Sir R. Stont have been taken regarding the matter, and the former holds that the trustees having contrdl of the fund would not only be justified but are bound to give Mrs Davidson reasonable assistance. Sir R. Stout, on the other hand, : is of opinion that it would not be safe for the trustees to deal with the fund in the absence of the Committee. He thinks that the money shonld be dealt with under the Charitable Trusts Extension Act, 1886. Under this statute the trustees could prepare a scheme for submission to the Attorney-General, whose report would have to be laid before a judge of the Supreme Court, who then would make an order approving of the scheme with or without modification or variation. Thus the matter rests at present, and we understand, ,the trustees do not feel justified in takingfqrther action.—‘Clutha Leader.’