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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2123, 24 February 1908, Page 2

PR ACTICAL A SSI ST A NCE. The Premier will have the entire approbation of the whole Dominion in the steps lie is taking to render relief to those unfortunate settlers who have suffered through the disastrous bush fires that have raged through man\- parts of this island during the past few weeks. The supplying of grass seed, either gratis, or on very easy terms, is an eminently practical method of rendering assistance, and there is little .doubt that the sjiirit of the average settler will cause him to desire to repay the loan when returned prosperity makes this possible. The free use of the railways for the carriage of building and fencing material is another concession that should mean a good deal to those who have been burned out of house and home, whilst the offer of unoccupied Grown lands for grazing purposes may save from utter

ruin some of tho sufforors in districts where such land is available. The action of the Government, however, should also provide a strong hint for tho people of the Dominion In act privately on similar lines. It is in eases like the present that the more prosperous of tho community should consider it a privilege to be permitted to extend a helping hand to those who have had tho work of years nullified, and in some eases the savings of a lifetime taken from thorn, by tlieso enormous conflagrations. The Government is offering the use of unoccupied Crown lands, and, alt bough the season lias been unfavorable lor all in the districts through which the hush tires have swept, still some assistance in the way of grazing might he given by those who have boon fortunate enough to escape the fires. The public throughout tho Dominion might well lie invited to grant monetary assistance for the more necessitous cases, and we fooT confident that if subscription lists are opened up, there will bo a roadv response from all parts.