THE TARAWERA DISASTER.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 751, 23 July 1886, Page 30

THE TARAWERA DISASTER.

MEETING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

At the invitation of his Excellency the Governor, the members of both Houses of Parliament assembled at Government House on Monday afternoon to consider what steps should be taken to assist the sufferers by tbe recent Tarawera disaster. There were about 100 gentlemen present, and the meeting was thoroughly representative of the General AsHis Excellency the Governor commenced by thanking the gentlemen present for responding to his invitation. Tbe meeting, he said, must be regarded as a private one. It bad been suggested to him that he should call a meeting of members of Pailiament for tbe conaiderivtiou of what steps should be taken for the assistance of the sufferers, both Maori and European, by the recent volcanic eruption at Rotorua. There was no doubt there was a great deal to be done to alleviate any distress that might have arisen from the eruptions. It had been suggested to him that a carnival should be held about the end of this month at Soames Island, the charge for tickets for which might be fixed at ten shillings. His Excellency added that one of the Union steamers or the Hinemoa (if she was in port) might be obtained to take visitors to the Island. This plan, he said, would be sure to meet with success, and it might be the means of inducing similar movements in other_ parts of the Colony. However, he had not himself come to any conclusion, as yet, as to what course should be adopted. And the suggestion of the carnival was simply one that had been made to him. His object in caljmg the meeting was that a committee might be formed of members of Parliament, who would consider what steps it would be most advisable to take. He again thanked the gentlemen present for their attendance. Sir George Grey expressed an opinion that a movement of this character could be best initiated throughout the Colony by members of the Legislature. Mr Dargaville suggested a committee of three members of each House should be appointed, with his Excellency and the Speakers of both Houses. Mr Joyce did not like the idea of the carnival, and suggested that a ball, economically managed, would give a thousand pounds. ; Colonel Brett moved that the Speakers should co-operate with his Excellency in cbosiug a committee of three members of each House. This was carried unanimously. The Hon Mr Laroach, speaking on behalf of the Government, said his colleagues wouUl be happy to assist. He explained that a Cabinet ‘'meeting that afternoon prevented them from attending the meeting. _ _ Hen Mr L. Walker moved that the joint committee to be appointed work with one to be chosen by the Mayor of Wellington, and with the heads of local bodies.

This was carried. „ , Mr Bruce remarked that a subscription list had already been started in both Honses for the benefit of sufferers.

The meeting then terminated.