DISTRESS AT THE THAMES.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1131, 1 March 1870, Page 5

DISTRESS AT THE THAMES.

The following message was lately sent down to the Council by the Superintendent : — "JThe Superintendentldesires to acquaint the Provincial Council that lie has re* ceived reliable information of the existence of a large amount of distress, approaching to absolute starvation, amongst the unemployed population of the Thames. At least 1500 men are estimated to be at present on the very rerge of starvation. From whatever cause arising, this state of things must be met by the Government, food must be provided for starving men, their labour being taken in exchange as a qua* rantee against imposition. " This will involve, so long as it lasts, considerable expenditure, for which the Superintendent must ask the Council to make provision to the extent of £3000. The expenditure of such portion of this sum as may be necessary, in a proper and judicious manner, and, as far as possible, on beneficial public works, will of course be the special duty of the Superintendent and Executive. " The Superintendent asks the Council to include this as a special vote in the Appropriation Act ; and, looking to the urgency of this matter, as well as the injury that is daily being inflicted on persons to whom the Province is indebted by their being unable to obtain payment of their just claims, the Superintendent would urge upon the Council the necessity, for the credit of the Province, of passing an Appropriation Act without a day's delay.