NORTH OTAGO BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 398, 7 August 1877, Page 3

NORTH OTAGO BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

i The monthly meeting of the Committee | of this Institution was held last evening j at the Secretary's office. There were pre--1 sent—Messrs. Fleming (in the chair), 1 Booth, Allen, Falconer, Dawson, GreenI field, and Church (Secretary). .] MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. A quantity of correspondence was read, and the Secretary was requtsted to show v the correspondence re the child Gunate, " at Hani[ dt n, to the members of the G'ommittee at that place. VISITING committee's P. EFORT. : The following report from the Visiting ; Committee was read :

" We visited the various places and persons mentioned at hist monthly meeting, and have to report as follows : —Saw Htsktth re the Barracks, its furniture, and his own engagement with the Government. His term expires about the 30th September next. We asked him to send in a report of the buildings and grounds, with any suggestions which he might deem necessary for the guidance of this Society ; or to send in a proposed to take over the whole affair at an annual rental. This probably has been done by him. We further visited the cottages on the hill, with the intention of laying out the grounds, but the occupants will not put up fencts unless the stuff for fencing is provided. As the Association did not authorise us to enter into any fresh monetary engagements, we could not see our way to grant their request. It is now for this nueting to say whether material shall be provided or not. The tenants further want the whole of the sections fenced, and given to them—i.e., one full section for tach house, and the balance to be let by tender. This demand will also be settled by you to-night. " We visited the various persons on the books, and find no improvement, except Mr*, lioss. She said she was a good deal ; better in health, and had two boarders. We still think, however, that the money should be continued as usual. C. S. Allen, " jS* Fleming. " Oamaru, 6th Augurt, 1877." The report was received, and, on the motion of Mr. Falconer, seconded by Mr. Booth, the Visiting Committee was empowered to call for tenders for the supply of materiiil on the ground for the fencing in of the whole block on which the Immigrants' Cottages were situated, and for the sub-division of eight sections, and for the erection of the fences. LETTER FROM MR. HESKETH. The following communication from Mr. Hesketh was reaa, and its consideration ordered to stand over until next meeting. " Oamaru, August 6, 1577. " The Committee Benevolent Society, " Oamaru, " Gentlemen, —I have the honour as requested, to bring under your notice the following suggestions for your approval. " 1. That the Society open a home for domestic servants and married couples at

a remunerative rate for board and lodging. " 2. That a rpgistry office be opened for all classes of persons seeking employment, and that a registry fee be charged. " 3. That widows and widowers with one or two children, wishing to go to service, may leave the children under the charge of the Society on payment of a weekly sum of money for their board and lodging. "4. That domestic servants wishing to deposit small sums of money, that the Society take charge of same, allowing a certain amount of interest. "5. That the Society request the Government to illow_a certain sum of money towards the looking after the immigrants, keeping the ration and other accounts, and the placing of the immigrants. " 6. That Government immigrants received into the depoc should be provided for by the Society at the rate of 13. 6d. per ration (Government ration). " 7. That the block of land between the depot and the garden reserve be closed with a temporary fence, say post. 3x2, hardwood, driven into the ground, and three wires ; that the land be ploughed and planted with potatoes. •' 8. That all persons out of employment and receiving relief from the Society should assist in cultivating the land, or otherwise as may be thought advisable. " 9. That one portion of the building (single men's end), after the arrival of the immigrants for the season, be let as a school-room. This part of the building is divided from the other portion, and has a separate entrance. " I have, &c., Alfred Hesketh. INSURANCE. It was decided to insure the Immigration Barracks for LSOO, and the immigrants' cottages for L3OO. VISITING COMMITTEE. Messrs. Booth and Milligan were appointed a Visiting Committee for the current month. Some cases on 'the books having been disposed of, a vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.