THE HEAT WAVE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIII, Issue 13646, 13 January 1905, Page 5

THE HEAT WAVE.

MR. CARRUTHERS AND THE RELIEF QUESTION.. Unitsd Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, January 12. Mr Carruthers considers that hia cable message to Sir Seddon has been misunderstood, and that a wrong complexion has been placed on it. The view he took was that he declined to let this State appear to he a beggar for charity from outside bodies. If outside people wished to send contributions as a matter of good-feeling and sympathy, it was quite open for them to do so; but he was not going to ac~' cept an invitation from them to becomo a beggar. He certainly did not say at any time that relief was not wanted, but he expressed the hope that this State would be well able to look after any cases of destitution caused by the sudden calamity. Government will grant -pound for pound subsidy up to £SOOO, on contributions to the bush fire relief fund. An expert has been appointed to inquire into the cause of the fires, and rf>pcre on means of prevention. OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE NOT REQUIRED. [Per Peess Association.] AUCKLAND, January 12. The following telegram has been ie« '> ceived by the Auckland " Star"' from the Sydney Committee of the Bush Fire Relief and Lord Mayors' Fund:— " Resolved that in view of the Premier's statement and the liberal local contributions, that no outside assist-. anbe be requested.—H. C. Brierley, honorary secretary."