THE POVERTY BAY REFUGEES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VI, Issue 1562, 26 November 1868, Page 5

THE POVERTY BAY REFUGEES.

In yesterday's issue we chronicled the arrival of the Success from Poverty Bay, with a number of vomen and children who were obliged to lepfe that disturbed district, owing to the merciless conduct and threatening aspect of the rebel natives. Of these passengers tnree women and ten children were left friendless and without any means of support. We appealed to the practical sympathy of our readers on their behalf and we aregiad to state that we did not appeal ia vain. Since their arrival no time has been lost in making arrangements for their care and comfort. We learn that Mr. King, Relieving officer, had an interview with the Hon. Dr. Pollen yesterday morning respecting them! He suggested that the blockhouse at Freeman's Bay would be a suitable place in which to accommodate these destitute people. The hon. gentleman at once approved of the suggestion, and gave instructions to have the building put in a proper state of repair, and also that bedding, cooking utensils, &c., should be provided. The Relieving Officer obtained iron bedsteads from the Newton Immigration Barracks, and procured all the other articles that were immediately required. He also made arrangements that they should be lodged at Mr. Senior's boarding-house, Shortland.street, until this evening, when probably everything will be in readiness for their removal to, and accommodation at, the blockhouse. In the meantime we are pleased to state tuat some of the benevolent ladies of Auckland have taken active measures to collect subscriptions in aid of the poor women and children who have been placed in such a destitute condition. During yesterday Mrs. J. S. Macfarlane and Miss Hill, with praiseworthy assiduity and promptness, succeeded in collecting at the Banks, and from merchants and others in the city, a sum of over £18. These ladies have also left subscription lists at the principal business establishments in the city, and purpose doing the same in the suburbs. Mrs. Macfarlane will, we understand, call upon the poor women this morning to ascertain their immediate requirements, and as Mr. W. Rattray, Messrs. Vaile, and others have promised assistance in the shape of contributions of clothing, we have no "doubt the exertions of these kind and considerate ladies will meet with commensurate and liberal support from the charitable people of Auckland to enable them to provide for the urgent wants of these unfortunate people. We cannot but commend the benevolent and energetic efforts of Mrs. Macfarlane and Miss Hill in this matter. During the course of yesterday a sum of £6 was left at our office towards the above fund.