DISTRESS IN NEWFOUNDLAND.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1201, 8 March 1895, Page 19

DISTRESS IN NEWFOUNDLAND.

On the morning of January 7 a crowd of 3000 working men, thrown out of employment by the financial collapse, gathered before the Legislative Chambers of St. John’s, Newfoundland. They formed in line and I paraded the principal streets. At the head of the procession was borne a white flag bearing the words, “ work or bread.” This movement caused consternation at first. The police prepared to disperse the crowd, but as their actions were peaceful nothing in this direction was done. After hooting the Government the procession went to the i dry docks, where is berthed the British warship Tourmaline, which was sent to St. John’s to preserve order. A committee of unemployed boarded the ship and represented to Captain Poole that they and their families were starving. They declared they were willing to work, but if no work was available they insisted that the Government should feed them. They threatened to take necessaries from the stores. Captain Poole intimated that such attempts would be suppressed with a strong hand, his orders being to preserve peace and to allow no interference with private property. He, however, promised to write to the Government representing their case and agreeing that help be extended them. 'With this assurance the delegation withdrew. Starvation is becoming more general daily. The Government were waited on by a committee of clergy, and in reply said arrangements were being made to employ the needy people. Lady Obeirnes started two soup kitchens on January 7, one in each end of the city. Protected bills ,of exchange to the amount of thousands of dollars were received by the mail of January 7. The revenue for the month of December was not a tithe of what it was during the corresponding month of last year, . Reports from St. John's of January 10 say that private charity is doing much to help those who want food. The Government are instituting preparatory steps to provide works for the unemployed. Some American newspapers telegraphed the American Consul at St. John’s proffering assistance and asking in what shape he would have it sent. The local relief committee expended 2500d0l last week and relieved 800 families. Fearful destitution prevails, and hundreds will perish unless the situation is speedily grappled with. A Bill passed the Assembly on the 10th to allow steamers to make a second trip to the seal fisheries this season. This will largely help to relieve the general distress.