INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 717, 29 March 1900, Page 5

INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF.

PUBLIC MEETING IN GORE. A second public meeting was held in the Gore Town Hall last night (under the pie^idency of the Mayor) to consider what steps should be taken to raise a fund 1 jcally and in the district for the relief of sufferers from the Indian famine. There was an attendance of some 50 ladies and gentlemen. A telegram was read from the Premier stating, iv reply to a telegram from Gore as to what assistance the Government would render towards railing produce to ports and thencs shipping it to Bombay, that the matter would bo laid before ihe Cabinet. In explanation of the matter, the chairman said that country dis'iicts would probably contribute largely in wheat, oats and (if advisable) potatoes, instead of money, which he thought would be just as acceptable. An npology for absence from the meeting was lead from Mr J. A. Ailken, Waikaka Valley, who promised to do all he could to aid the canse in view. The Chairman referred at length to the sufferit.gs of the people in the faminestricken districts of India, and suggested that committees should be set up locally to assist in promoting sports and kindred entertainments with the object of raising funds. Dr J. Copland spoke of the valuable assistance towaids tbe Patriotic Fund rendered by the ladies, nnd moved that a ladies committee be appointed consisting of Mesdames J. Copland, Poppelwell. Dolamore, Bowler, Montgomeiy, Nichol,,Suiith, G. Coplant', Donaldson, Grant, Collins, Hughes, Marshall, and Kelly, (with power to ndd to their number), to draw up and carry out such schemes as were most advisable. From the intelligence published there appeared the most urgent need for assistance. The Government of India was spending largo sums of money to meet the uecessities of the starving people in British stales, and the Indian Princes were taking steps to help the people in their states. From what an Indian officer recently visiting the colony had sail it appeared as though wheat and oats would be most effective in meeting the necessities of the natives. If it were practicable to send a direct cargo this colony should easily be able to fill up a steamer with wheat, oats, potatoes, and other contributions in kind or in money. The Rev. A. B. D. Tosswill seconded the appointment of a ladies' committee, and thought that while the people had had heavy calls upon them of late all should do their best on behalf of their starving fellow British subjects in India. It was our duty no doubt to provide the Empire with soldiers and to make provision for their widows and orphaned families, but it was our duly also to help towards alleviating the sufferings of the starving millions in India. Mr Poppelwell stated that the committee, Mr Jaggers, and the ladies who were promoting the entertainment for next Wednesday evening in aid of the more men and horses fund, were willing that the proceeds should be devoted towards the Indian Famine Fund. Mr John Mac Gibbon suggested that an effort be made to secure the credit balance in the bauds of the Contingent Committee for the purpose named. MrR.U. Mitchell suggested that athletic sports %nd side-shows be held in aid of the fund, Bi>d promised to contribute £1 Is towards it. In reply to Mr Poppelwell, the' chairman stated that before any definite steps were taken, inquiries would be, made as to the best form (produce or money) in which aid should be sent to Indin. After further discussion, Mr G. E. Wharton prop scd the following gentlemen's committee:—The Mayor, Dr G. Copland, Messrs Nichol, Bowler. Martin, Dolamore, and Millpr, with power to add to their number. — The proposal was seconded by the Rev. A. C. l,yon (who referred to tbo severity of the famine, stating it was the most grievous since India had been a British, dependency), and enrried, the proceedings terminating with a vote of UiHiiks to the chairman. Dr J. Copland.wishes us to mention that he omitted to state that Mr W. Gilchrist, of East Gore, would render all assistance in his power, and that the Christian Endeavor Society would give a contribution towards the fund. We have also been asked to notify that tbe ladies committee meet at the Town Hall at 3 p.m. to-morrow.