LIVINGSTONE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 900, 5 March 1879, Page 2

LIVINGSTONE.

[from ovr ow>- correspondent.] March 3.

A public meeting was held in the school this evening for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means of raising funds in aid of the sufferers from the Kaitangata catastrophe. Mr. H. L. Gilbert was called to the chair. In pointing out the- object of the meeting and the efforts made throughout the Colony, and more especially in Dunedin, in connection with this disaster, he need not refer to the matter for the purpose of awakaning sympathy in the minds of those present, since it was a movement to which humanity must respond, and, as the lamentable details had already become familiar to them, he would only refer toj the fact that some 34 lives were lost, and about 80 children rendered fatherless. Mr. Roberts said that at first an entertainment was thought of, but was found likely to realise .only a small amount, and lie would propose a house to house canvass, the object itself he thought sufficient to awaken sympathy in every breast; and the plan adopted among the employe's of some of the factories of Dunedin, viz., that of each man subscribing a day's wages at least might well be followed here. Since all employed in mining operations were liable to similar occurrences, he advocated individual interest in the movement, and thought the responsibility should not be left with the great centres, but should be borne by eveiy corner of the Province. He referred to the population of Dunedin and its suburbs being likely to raise a large sum, but this he pointed out should not limit individual effort in the district. He suggested the enlistment of lady canvassers. Mr. Frater, who seconded the motion, concurred in the above opinion, and thought the estimate of LIO,OOO much too low, and that nearly L 20,000 should be collected. The Chairman thought a Committee should be formed with power to add to their number. It was accordingly formed as follows on the motion of Mr. Roberts : —Messrs. Smith, Gallagher, Gilbert, Frater, Anderson (Secretary), and the mover. Mr. Gilbert, who leaves for Otekaike to-morrow, was requested to urge the matter at that place in the interests of the Committee, and after ! some discussion the bounds of the district | were fixed, and the following ladies re- ; quested to act" as collectors :—Mesdames Gallagher, Hutchieson, and- others; Misses Gilbert, Nicholas, and Sutherland. It was observed that Livingstone seemed to be taking a novel yet worthy initiative in enlisting the valuable collecting sympathy of the ladies. The Rev. Mr. Cameron, who was present, said it was pleasing to see the people here take such prompt and independent action, and referred to the truth of the old motto, " He gives twice who gives quickly." Ho approved of the plan they

adopted ia preference to an entertainment, as it was more in keeping with such a object, and lie intended inaugurating a similar effort at Waiareka. Mr. Roberts suggested 1 that it would be wise to invest any surplus funds the central committee may have towards the establishment of a permanent relief fund, in view of the possibility of a recurrence of these disasters. The question of social economy generally was ventilated, and the advantage of life insurance referred to. A treasurer having been appointed, the Committee decided to meet on Tuesday, 11th inst., and Messrs. Gilbert and Anderson kindly consented to canvass the Tables personally. It is hoped a considerable sum will be raised. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.