PORT KEMBLA'S CREW

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 3 November 1917, Page 2

PORT KEMBLA'S CREW

LETTER FROM SHIPWRECK RELIEF. SOCIETY.

AN APPEAL FOR MEMBERS. The following letter to the Mayor from the secretary of the Shipwreck Relief Society, Dunedin, was read at last night's meeting of the City Council : '•Dear Sir,—l have to acknowledge receipt of yours of the lltli inst., with reference to (he' Port Ivembla disaster, and stating that you have a balance of £3O 18s 7d, which you ask if we will pay. and I have much pleasure in enclosing cheque for, this amount. 'T am mire the people of Nelson must now realise the benefits of such a society as the Shipwreck Relief Societv, and what- a relief it is Cor distressed seamen to receive immediate relief in any port of New Zealand b}? simply communicating with the society, and it would be very much more encouraging to us if we were to receive support from other towns outside Dunedin. "I have just had n look through the membership list and iilld that we have only twelve subscriber? in the whole of New Zealand outside Dunedin, and there is not one from Nelson. "The shipping disasters that have occurred about Dunedin have been very few indeed, so therefore you see that the Dunedin business men rarely receive any benefit from the society, afi relief in nearly every instance has been afforded in some northern town. "I am sure you will agree with me that the society is worthy of support by citizens and firm throughout New Zealand, as we a;enerallv accppt the word of the Chief 'Magistrate of the town nearest to where the disaster has occurred, or where the men are landed, and afford relief accordinglv. I will, therefore, be very much obliged to you if you will forward me a list of the firms from which you purchased outfits, as I think the least they can do is to become membe.rs of my society. ; "If you could suggest any other names of people in Nelson who might be willing to contribute to the society, I would be greatly obliged.'' In connection with the relief of the Port Kembla's crew, the Mayor said the city was- indebted to the generosity of Messrs -J. D. Moriartv. of the Provincial Hotel, and Forstev. of Brightwater. who had d -lined to accept payment of their accounts for entertaining the men.