THE BRUNNER DISASTER.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1264, 21 May 1896, Page 38

THE BRUNNER DISASTER.

The Conference of delegates to decide upon the disposition of tho sums received in aid of tho sufferers by tho Brunner mining disaster was begun in tho Parliamentary Buildings on Thursday afternoon. Thero wero present —Hon K. J. Seddon, representing Groymouth, Kumars and Cavorsham ; lion W. Hall-Jones, Timaru; Messrs T. W. llislop, Oamaru ; G. Fislior and T. J. W. Gale, Wellington; 11. Beswick, Christchurch ; H. J. Walter, Dunedin; J. Duthie, M.H.K., Napier; K. C. Kirk, Potone and Now Plymouth ; T. Bland, Central Committee, Biunuerton; D. W. Virtue, Ross ; S. Gilmer, lioofton.

Tho Premier, as tho convenor of the j Conference, stated that some of the delegates had not yet arrived, and he, there--1 fore, asked that they should not do anyI thing but formal business that afternoon, and then adjourn until next morning. As to what had led to tho Conference being called, it had appeared to him, after consultation with well-wishers, that it would bo desirablo that steps should be taken as early as possible to have a conference to decide upon some definite course. There wore, as thero always were in cases of this kind, persons who weio in doubt as to what would happen in respect to the funds. Thero were some—without any just or sufficient grounds, ho said—who had taken exception to what had happened in respect of the Kaitangata funds, and what was done by tho trustees in respect to these funds prior to legislation taking place, and tho funds being placed under the control of tho present trustees and tho Public TTusteo. Ho did not think this objection was well grounded, or that it had any wide bearing upon wliat was being dono in respect to the Brunner funds. However, ho thought it was one’s duty to meet these objections, and, as far as they could, put things on a safe and proper basis. Again, it had to bo borne in mind that there was a large sum of money not bearing interest lying dormant, and nothing was being done with it or in respect of it. Another point, and that had a greater weight with him than all other things, was the fact that tho sufferers wero kept in doubt as to anything definite being done. "What >vas being done was done locally, and he took no exception to what the local committee had done—they had done tlmir best under difficult circumstances. He had therefore deemed it to be his duty, after consultation with well-wishers, to convene tho Conference. He did not think the matter should he dealt with on charitable aid lines. The contributions weio given to assuage the sufferings <4 those; suddenly bereft of their bread-winners. Then, again, as to the election of permanent trustees. Something was dono on tho West Coast, meetings wero held, and ho had no doubt that tho delegate from the Brunner would be able later on to go fully into details. First it was suggested to have the trustees permanently appointed, then it was ultimately decided on the election of temporary trustees pending the permanent election. That was how the matter stood down there. From ali parts of the Colony it was thought that the delegates should go very fully into tho selection and election of trustees, and to have gentlemen elected to these positions of trust who would command the respect and the confidence of the contributors from one end of New Zealand to the other. Ho thought it should be purely from a national standpoint, because it was a national disaster, and the funds contributed bad been so given. Ho was inclined, notwithstanding whatever had arisen in respect to tho Kaitangata Fund, that they should elect trustees. That was his can< id opinion. Against that there had been suggestions that tho funds should be handed over to tho Public Truttoo, to be f'i». grs )f(>( fiiavil in li-

proposal. Outside of that there were many things to bo considered and looked into. If they came to the bedrock of tho matter, so far as the Public Trustee was concerned, it was simply this, that with his multifarious duties tho Public Trustee would have to delegate his powers in this matter probably to his representative on the West Coast, and that would moan putting tho whole of tho women and children practically under tho control of ono man. Ho (the Premier) was suro there wero men

who wero competent, and willing, and anxious to do their duty as trustees, and it would be wiser, in his opinion, and more in accordance with tho wishes of the contributors, and certainly more in the interests of the sufferers, if some of tlieso gentlemen wero elected. If they liked they could have tbo Public Trustee as one, but ho did think that they should havo someone to assist in the carrying out of those duties. This was another reason why he had taken upon himself the responsibility of convening this Conference. Another question had cropped up, which would probably come up for consideration, butwhicli ho thought altogether outside tho functions of the Conference, and altogether apart from the subject matter with which they bad to deal. Ho claimed that the money now in hand was contributed for the benefit of and to aid tho sufferers by tho Brunner mining disaster, and that was a separate and distinct matter altogether from tho establishment of a national fund to meet disasters that might occur hereafter. Assistance had been given in New Zealand and in tho other colonies, because a very large number ot women and children were left destitute owing to this disaster. If they had asked that subscriptions should bo raised for the establishment of a national fund for ! Now Zealand in case of accidents in 1 future, then in all probability it would | have prevented moneys being given that I wero in hand now. This was a question j separate and distinct altogether from what I they had to deal with. The delegates had been sent, thoro to represent tho various ■ committees and to deal with tho question j of the funds raised for a specific purposo, ' namely, to assuage as far as they could tho grief caused by tho disaster, and provide I for tho sufferers by it. Next morning ! they could appoint a chairman and proceed j with tho business. 1 Tho Premier stated that Mr E. W. Kano ' would act as secretary to tho Conference, j

It was decided on tho motion of Mr Duthie, seconded by Mr Gale, that tho Premier should bo appointed chairman for the present meeting. Correspondence was then read from tho various committees. A telegram was read from tho Mayor of Brunnorton stating that the committee had passed a resolution that the parents should supply the certificates of births of children under Hi years of age, but they had not got them yet, as Mr O’Kogan, M.11.R., had promised to try and get tho Government to grant tho certificates free of charge. The correspondence also contained suggestions from ono or two committees that the question of tho disposition of tho funds should be deferred until the sitting of tlie Municipal Conference. 'The Premier said it was not proposed to deal with tho correspondence then. They would simply receivo it. The Premier, in answer to one of tho delegates, stated that ho had wired to the Mayor of Brunnorton, stating that there was no objection on the part of tho Government to granting the certificates, and to forward them by wire. As far as he could gather, there had been between .£16,000 and £17,000 collected, and altogether they would have about .£20,000. It was important that they should have the information, and he asked that delegates should give in tho amounts in the hands of the committees they represented. The amount he had mentioned would be little enough in view of the great demands to bo made upon them; in fact, they would be short, owing to the very largo number of children of tender years that had been left unprovided for. It was absolutely necessary that the Con- j ferenco should know tho amount avail- 1 able.

The following* announcements were made as to the sums received : —Napier, £059 2s ltd ; New Plymouth, .£280; Potone, <£l3o; Welllm/km «— *milie±zl a- | fla

Mr Bland stated that the total amount received by the Mayor of Brunnerton was .£959 los, and of that sum they had paid =£795 *fs 4d. Mr J. Du tin e said that when they met for business next day they should at once settle the question as to whether the matter was to be deferred until the Municipal Conference met. The Premier said that was one of tho questions that ought to be settled. Tho first thing to settle was the question of representation —the basis upon which tho delegates woro to record their votes. Mr Fisher : 'The question Municipal Corporation v. Convention is already settled. Wo are here. The Premier did not want to prejudice tho case, but he felt that delays in cases like this would do much harm. Without saying anything in any way derogatory to the Muncipal Corporation, ho thought that the delegates assembled were well able to deal with t ho matter. Mr Bland was also opposed to any delay. Mi Fisher thought tho question of representation should bo determined by the amount subscribed. Tho Premier said that would bo the first thing to settle next morning. Tho Conference then adjourned until 10.30 next morning. The Conference resumed its sittings on Friday, the Premier in the chair. Tho Premier moved, “That tho funds contributed for the relief of the sufferers by tho Brunner mine disaster bo handed J over to the Public Trustee, to bo held by | him subject to a trust to bo declared by this Conference.’' I Mr George Fisher moved as an amend--1 ment, “ (1) That tho Public Trustee be j appointed the trustee of the fund ; (2) I that tho Public Trustee be the adminisI tratorof the fund, but that he be assisted [ by the recommendations of a. local committee, consisting of tho Mayors of Brunnerton, Groymouth, Hokitika and tho County Chairman of Jieefton.” After some discussion tho amendment was negatived, and tho original motion was agreed to. The Premier proposed, and it was agreed to, “ That a sub-committee bo appointed bo draw up a. trust and roport tc tho Conference.” The following were tho members :—Tho Premier, Messrs Graham, M.11.E., Gale, Kirk, Bland, Stead and Hislop. On tho motion of the Premier an advisory board was appointed, consisting of tho Mayors of Hokitika, Brunnerton, Greymoutii and Kumara, the Chairmen of tho Inangalnia and Grey County Councils and tho Stipendiary Magistrate, and on any of those declining to act, the vacancy to bo filled by the Governor by an Order in Council. It was resolved that tho whole of tho funds bo allocated for the purposo for which they were subscribed, an amendment by Sir It. Stout being negatived. Tho sub-committee appointed to consider tho trust mot in tho afternoon in tho Premier’s office

Tlio Conference of delegates sat again on Saturday morning in tho Parliamentary Buildings, tlie Hon K. J. Seddon in the chair. Tho Premier, in presenting the report of the committee set up to deal with tho trust deed, said they had the advico and assistance of tho officers of the Government Insurance Department and tho Public Trustoo in their deliberations.

Mr Warburton (Public Trustee) attended, and reported that ho had gone into the matter as requested, and found that by allowing each widow 12s per week and each child 4s, the funds available would pay tho widows the amount for 12 years and tho children until they reached the age of 10 years. If the wi lows were allowed 11s per week, and tho children at the rate of 4s for the first child, 3s 6d for tho second, and 3s for tho third, tho amount mentioned would euflico for tho widows for 10 years, and for tho children until thoy reached tho age of 10 years. In answer to Sir Robort Stout, ho said tho calculation was based on tho monoy-carning 4 per cent, one per cent, of which would go in expenses.

Tho Conference then considered tho recommendations of the committco clause by j clause. On the motion of tho Premier tho report as amended was adopted as follows : " That a caret ul investigation of tho circumstances of the sufferers and the state of their health, and generally, should be made by Dr MacGregor, or, failing him, by some Government officer, and after tlm receipt of such report that the allowance to he given to each of the recipients should ho fixed on the average hereinafter set forth in the schodulo attached. That out of tho fund a sum of Tilooo should be set aside for contingencies which may arise, such amount to he expended by the Public Trustee, on the advice of the Board, to meet Urn w>st of funerals or other exceptional expenddnre. The balance of flic fund to be invested with the [Public Trustee, so that the same may earn interest, and such interest and principal to ho expended for tho support of tho sufferers. The allowance to be made to widows and children is to ho in tho following relations except where exceptional circumstances may exist : —Widows, 12s per week ; children, 4s each for the first two children and 3s cadi for any additional child over that number.” it. was decided to request that all persons holding money subscribed towards the fund pay it into the Public Trustee as soon as possiblo. it was decided that tho public officer to investigate into the necessities of the sufferers report to a committoo consisting of the Premier and Messrs Gale, Bland, Hislop and Kirk, who after consulting with the Public Trustee shall fix, subject to the approval of the Confoienee, payments to the several widows.

It was resolved that tlioro should be an audit of the expenditure mado by any com-

[ mitteo up to tho date of the fund being ! handed to the Public Trustee.

I Mi Bland heartily thankod tho roprosontaj tivos of tho various districts on behalf of tho j people of Brunncrton, and tho central comi mitteo for the noblo manner in which they j had como to the assistance of the sufferors by I tho disaster, and a vote of thanks having | been given the chairman, the Conference ad- | journing sine die.

Tho Royal Commission, which lias been sitting at Groy, adjourned to Briuinerton on Thursday, and examined Robert Tennant, one of tho employees in the Brunnor mine. Ho completely upset tho theory advanced by the experts that tho explosion was caused by a blown-out shot, and stated that the shot hole discovered by the experts was put in by a man somo ten months ago. The evidence came rather as a revelation.

After tho luncheon adjournment the evidence was taken of Robert Armstrong, who had been engaged in mining for tho past 40 years. No fresh evidence wns forthcoming as to tho causo of tho explosion. The theory of tho blown-out shot set up by the experts is not given crodonco to by practical minors.

At a meeting of the Dunedin Relief Fund Committee, Sir R. Stout and Mr Henry J. Walter were appointed delegates. It was resolved, “That in tho event of there being any surplus of tho fund after adequate provision has been made for tho widows and orphans and other dependent relatives of tlioso who lost their lives by tho disaster, it be appropriated to the establishment of a national fund to bo formed for the relief of tho dependent relatives of persons who may be accidentally killed in tho Colony of Now Zealand, and that tho whole fund bo vested in the Public Trustee for investment and administration; further, that tho Public Trustee bo asked to forego any commission to which lie may bo entitled for administering tho fund.” It was further resolved that tho Public Trustee should allocate tho funds upon tho recommendation of a local committee, and that in the opinion of tho Dunedin Committee tho widows should receive not less than 12s and tho children 3s (id per week until, in tho opinion of tho local committee, relief is no longer required.

Tho Nelson Brunner Fund now amounts to .£972 9s lOd. Tho Secretary to tho Brunner Conference (Mr E. W. Kano) has received (be following list of the contributions to the Brunner Fund : Post and Telegraph Department, 91830 11s 2d; Auckland, 911000 ; Dunedin, .£2' 00 ; Nelson, 91972 9s lOd; New Plymouth, 91233 2s ; Gisborne, .£270; Masterton, .£l5O 9s 8d ; Napier, 91900 ; Hokitika, 91450 ; Wanganui, .£370 ; Brunnorton, .£llOO ; Rcefton, 91133 ; Kumara, 91200 ; Westport, 91170; Blonboim, 91200 ; Oamaru, .£OOO ; Potono, 91139; Christchurch and district, .£7300 2s 2d ; Wellington and district, 913477 12s 7d ; Invoreargill, 91500 ; Thames, 91633; sent direct to (lie Hon tho Premier, 91582 Is 9d : total, 9123,934 9s 2d. Expected additional contributions are Auckland, 9150 ; Gisborne, .£ll 14s; Hokitika, 9150; Wanganui, 9130; Brunncrton, 9150 ; Rcefton, 9130 ; Blenheim, ,£6O ; Invercargill, .£ls: total, 91299 14s. Greymouth has not forwarded tho amount collected locally. Tho above contributions include about 91200 sont to tho Premier from a few sympathisers from New South Wales, but no other Australian money. Tho Promior has received from tho secretary and treasurer of tho Brunner Roliof Committee, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, tho sum of 93100. In a letter accompanying the remittance tho secretary says tho committeo stipulated that all moneys eolloctcd should bo sont to tho Premier. 11c also states thoy havo every hope of raising 91500; that there are a number of Now Zealanders there, and every man is working hard on behalf of the sufferers. Thoy wish to convoy the sympathies of not only the New Zealandors, but of every miner on tho Kalgoorlie goldfields with tho sufferors in the sad disaster.