THE CLUTHA RELIEF FUND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12799, 21 October 1903, Page 4

THE CLUTHA RELIEF FUND.

Tiie attack that was made in tlig House on Monday night on the trustees of the Clutha ItelieF Fund was, it is charitable to assume, based to a large extent upon a misapprehension of the circumstances. To represent, as Mr Tanner did, Messrs Keith Ramsay and C. S. Iteeves as "a stubborn, mulish body of trustees keeping guard over moneys that did not belong to them," and to picture Mrs Davidson, who has petitioned Parliament for a grant out of the balance in the hands of the trust, as "wanting and destitute," is to con-, vey an exceedingly erroneous impression of the position; and to allege, as Mr Symes did, that " the trustees had violated their trust and now they wanted to bo whitewashed," is to cast a slanderous aspersion upon them of a kind that, emanating from a member of the House, who speaks under the cover of the privileges of Parliament, is as reprehensible as it is unfair. The fact is that the fund left in tiio hands of the trustees, after the payment of, as they believed, all the claims in connection with the Clutha Hoods, did not amount to £500, and that the only disbursements they have made other than in irespect of claims for relief from sufferers by the floods were made tinder the Government's guarantee of indemnity. These disbursements were £500 to the wreck of the M'airarapa Relief Fund and £250 to the Otngo Contingent Fund. The grant in aid of the Waimate Fire liolief Fund, which was the subject of some comment in the House yesterday afternoon, was not made by the trustee.* at all, but by the General Committee of the Clutha BeKef Fund. In face of this, the suggestion that there lias been any violation of the trust is monstrously unjust. If it had been the case that- the trustees had been hoarding up the fund ami jealously guarding it against inroads for the benefit of persons who had a claim upon it and were in circumstances of want, Mr 'fanner's stormy invective might have had some justification; but when it is known that- Mrs Davidson made no claim on the local eommitteo at Balclutha in the latter part of 187S and in the early part of 1879, when the funds .were being distributed, that her case never came before the committee at Dunedin at all until years after the trust had been formed in the names of Messrs llamsay and Reeves, when, upon an application being made to them, a sum of £100 was voted to her, and that from that' time until the present Bill came before Parliament to authorise the trustees to hand the balance of the fund over to the Shipwreck Relief Society no hint was ever received by them that she desired further assistance, it will be recognised that Mi' Tanner's references to "maladministration" and " a national scandal" were distinctly misapplied. It is suggested, indeed, that she would not have made any application for further assistance from the fund had she not been urged and pressed to do so, for, it appears from a letter addressed by Mr llamsay to' the Premier some time ago on the sublet, that it is admitted by those in Dunedin who have interested themselves in her case that " the widow was against having her name mixed up in the busi-. ness, that she was also better off now than she had been since her husband died, and that, although she was not now able to do much hard work, she had two (lalighters both willing anil able to help their mother." The attack that has been made upon the trustees—both gentlemen of intc 3 rity and standingis greatly to bo deplored. They have had no interest whatever, beyond that imposed by the terms of the tru<t in husbaiuling the fund, ami are sure that if Mrs Davidson had not slept upon her supposed rights, and if, at any imo during the past ten years, it had w % ,° the knowl6d s e ° f rushes that she was in circumstances

that gave her a claim upon tho fuud, they would readily have recognised that lier ,case demanded liberal treatment. Even now it seems to us that the trustees should not regard the fund closed to the claim she has made, and that they should consider the'advisability of granting her a further sum. That courso will be open to them if the Bill that is before Parliament passes in the form in which it has been amended. Mr T. Mackenzie and Mr J. W. Thomson both expressed the opinion tirot Mrs Davidson should receive the whole of tho balance now remaining, but if the House had thought, as they believe, that- this should he done, it might have been expected to give a specifio declaration to that effect.

In the Legislative Council yesterday the Gold Duties and Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bills were read a second time ■pro forma and referred to committees. The Crown Grant 3 Act Amendment, Municipal Corporations Act Amendment, and Water Power Bills were' put through the second reading. In the evening the Animals' Protection, Sea Fisheries, anil Sand Drift Bills were read a second time. The Cook and Other Islands Government Bill was finally passed. In the House of Representatives yesterday a Xativo Land Rating Bill was read' a «ecoml time pro forma. The New Zealand Institute and Clutlm I'lnods Relief Fund Trustees' Empowering Bills were passed. The Public Loans Renewal Bill and the Treasury Bills Extension Bill were read £L second time after considerable discussion.

The Premier interrupted the debate on the Gecond reading of the Publio Loans Reneival Bill in the House of Representatives lar-t evening to introduce by Governor's Message a comprehensive Licensing Act Amendment Bill. The details of the measure, kindly supplied by the' Premier for public information, appear in another portion of this issue. Among the alterations proposed is the elimination at the local option poll of tho reduction issue. At the next poll the electors are to be asked to decide whether the succeeding local option 'poll shall be taken three years or six years afterwards—a bare majority to dccidc. Ifc is proposed that mayors of boroughs and chairmen of county councils ehall bo ex officio members of licensing committees. Tho number of bars in hotels is to be regulated by the extent of the accommodation provided. Bottle licenses arc to bo abolished. In no-license districts clubs are not to be allowed to sell liquor, and it is to be an offence on the part of any individual to have liquor in his possession except for religious, medicinal, or scientific purposes. Where a' local option poll is voided a fresh poll is to be taken. Tho supplying of liquor to persons under 18 years is made an offonce. Where £3000 is spent in improvements the licensee shall have the right to a renewal for eix years. Important alterations are proposed as to endorsements of licenses, and the house will Uc affected as woll as the licensee. There is a provision against tied housee, and tho prohibited Native territories are specially dealt with.

After an animated debate last evening the Drainago Board decided, in accordance with the Works Committeo's report, to proceed with the construction of tho detritus tanks on the Frederick street sewer. Mr Gore moved an amendment in the direction of taking the wholo question before tho Harbour Board again, but this was lost by one vote —Messrs Gore, Dcnniston, and Burnett voting for the amendment, and tho Chairman, Messrs Clark and Hancock, and Dr Coughtrey for tho report. Sir Donnfeton summed up his opinion of the proceedings in the 'remark that it was scandalous that a question involving thousands of pounds of publio money should be decided upon one vote at such a thin board meeting. Dr Coughtrey stated that if further delay took place tho board would be farced into a very grave and furious position which it would not be politic to diecloso publicly.

A few month? ago Victor E. 0. Ingram, jv. resident of Balclutha, was called upon by a man named George M'Alpine, who offered io sell him three Wyandotte fowls, said to be imported from America. Ingram purchased the fowls at the price of £10 for ■the trio, but subsequently discovered that tho fowls had been bought in the district at 12s cach and had not been, a« stated, imported from America. An a rosult a case was heard at tho Magistrate's Court at Balclutha on Friday last in which Ingram madi) a claim on M'Alpino for £10, the price given for the fowls. Several witnesses having identified tho fowls as having bcon in tho district before, the magistrate gave judgment for £10 damages and agaiiut tho defendant.

The oloeutionary and musical competitions wore exceedingly well patronised yesterday. On tho opening night the lower portion of His Majesty's Theatre was more than sufficient to accommodate the audience, but Inst night the covers had to he removed from a number of the seats' in the gallery to provide room for all those desiring to hear the competitors. The performances given v;ere also a bright contrast to those of the previous night, and they provided a roally good entertainment. The principal itoms in the elocutionary competitions havo now bien disposed of with tho exception of the readings, while good progress has been made with tho musical scction.

Judging from the correspondence between the town clerk and the secretary of the Drainage Board laid before the board last evening and considered in committee, together with legal advice, the requeet of the City Council for a conference between its Drainage Committee and a committee from the board seems likely to stir up further complications between these two public bodies. At all events a somewhat formal and unbending attitude seems to havo bcon taken up, and tho tenor of the correspondence .seems to indicate that the position is not at all an amicable one.

A well-known* citizen, Mr James Wilson, had au almost miraculous escapo in Prinoes street on Saturday. Whilo standing talking to a friend in front of a buildiug on which a fire escapo was in conrso of erection a largo pie'eo of concrete slipped and came down with a crash, striking .tho front of his bat, then grazing one of his hands, and lastly etriking tho too of one of his boots. Fortunately Mr Wilson wore a hard felt hat, and tllis slightly doflcctol the concrete, or tho result could not havo been otherwise than, serious. As it Was tho brim of tho hat was broken, tho thumb hurt, and tho too painfully bruised, while Mr Wilson sustained a shook which ho haa not wholly recovered from yot.

A good idea, of the busy scone presented in tho centra of the city through tho laying of the rails for tho electrio tram line is given by a couple of pictures taken from a point of vantage in Custom House square for this woek's Witness. Through the thoughtfulncss of a Danedin lady the Witness is enabled to present to its subscribers a capital series of pioturos of Tumut and 1 Bombola, the rivtil centres for selection as the site of tho Federal capital. From these it would appear that both sites possess attractive surroundings, and it is by no moans surprising that each should have strong advocates. Tile official visit .of the City Council and 1 engineering staff to the Leo Stream hydro-eleotfio power works is capitally illustrated; tho Timaru Band contest has a pago devoted- to it; tho picturesque Leitli Valley provides a charming little creek sccno; tho Opoho fish hatcheries an attractive series of plctureo; the opening of the bowling season at Invercavgill provides sonic capital snaps; and the Wingalui races, tho Labour. Day sports, and a number of other pleasing pictures complete a spooially attractive illustrated sheet. The cartoon (by "Jim") is an amusing collection of Labour Day "Sports and Fancies."

The concert-soireo in Wesley Church, Cargill road, announced under a misapprehension for last evening in our issue of yesterday, will take place this

Mr S. Myers informs «8 that a dental examination has just been concluded in Dunedin. Eight candidates presented themselves, the following four being successful (the names being given alphabetically) .Tames Ed. Butler (Wellington), John B. Cresswell (Ohristchuich), Septfinus Prite (Wellington), and Arthur Lonsdale Zouch (Ohristchurch).

• Tho biennial examinations of tho New Zealand Pharmacy Board were commenced yesterday morning, and will be continued this morning and to-morrow morning, in tho four centres of the colony. In Dunedin some 15 candidates presented themselves under the supervision of Messrs Alex. Bagley and Thomas Johnstone (the local members of the board), assisted by Mr K. C. Woodward (deputy-registrar) and Mr D, White (examiner in pharmacy). The Drainage Board had before it last evening some correspondence from the Tomahawk Road Board concerning a resolution as already published. The correspondence was considered in committee, and when tho board resumed it was reported that, the matter being sub judice, the board could not deal with ifc openly, and the lettor was therefore received. The monthly meeting of the Society to Protection of Women and Children, held in the Town Hall on Monday, was attended •by the Rev. W. Curzon-Siggers (in the chair), Rev. W. A. Sinclair, Mesdames Macdonald, Fry, Withers, Dr E. Siedeberg, Ensign Proctor, Miss L. Cohen, and Mrs Ansell (secretary). Apologies were rccoiyed from his Worship tho Mayor (Mr T. Seott), Mr and Mrs Dcnniston, and Mr R. Chisholin (president). The secretary was granted power to act in several eases. Her report showed many difficult cases, involving time, tact, and judgment in dealing with them. The treasurer's statement was tabled.

A meeting of residents of Ravensbourno was held in the Library Room on Mondry evening. Mr 15. Kellett (chairman of library) briefly explained the objects for Which the meeting had been callcd, and stated that tho present committee (Messrs Kellett, Fox, Mullc-nger, and J. 31 inn) found it necessary to increase their number and to make fresh arrangements to carry on the work of the library. Ho then callcd upon tho Mayor of the borough to take the chair. Mr Minn having expressed a wish to be relieved from the office of.secretary, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Kellett, to increase tho committee to 12 (six ladies and six gentlemen). Tho following were olccted to act in conjunction with tho present committee: —Misses Pope, Anderson, L. George, M. Crawley, E. Blackic, Mrs Shanks, Messrs Jack, Cray, and Nichol. The following officers were elected:—Secretary, Miss E. Blackie; treasurer, Mr E. Mullengcr; librarian, Mr ]>\ Q. Cray. Various valuable suggestions were made by Mr Minn (retiring secretary) and accepted by the coimnittce, who regret losing the services of such an onergetio secretary.

We are informed by the town clerk of Roslyn that Mr Loehhcad was under a misapprehension in statins in a loiter in' our columns that the uncollected dip rates in Roslyn amounted to £1600. With the exception of a feiv pounds, the collcction of which is a subject for consideration, tho wliolo of last yoar'e rates havo been paid, and it is only this year's rates which are outstanding.

Messrs T. Ross and W. D. Hanlon, J.P's., occupied the lxmeh at the City Police Court yesterday, when two young men were called upon to answer chargos of drunkenness. Ernest Edward Cuthbertson was fined 10s, in default 48 hour-:-' imprisonment, and John Lockhart (who agreed to take out a prohibition order against himself) -was convictcd and ordered to come up for sentence whon called upon.

The brass tablet which it was decided to erect in the Town Hall, West Harbour, in honour of those young men from the district who left for the war in South Africa is to be unveiled in tho large hall on Tuesday evening next at 8 o'clock. Mr J. F. M. Frasor has kindly consented to speak, and othera are also expected, to take part. His Worship the Mayor will preside, and the local, brass band and the members of the school cadet corps recently formed are also to bo present.

Tho Alhambra Theatre was again well filled last evening, and, judging by the laughter and applauso, the audience present fully enjoyed tho entertainment provided. Tho weight-lifting foa-ta of the Franz brothers was a, marked feature of the programme, while tho comic einging of Jlr Fred Bluettwas loudly applauded. Tho other members of the company were all succcstful in their different items. Tho samo programme l will bo repeated this evening. The last nights of Mb Fred Bluett and the Franz brothers are announced; whilo on Saturday Keilderson, the facial impersonator, is to make his appearance.

Messrs James Samson and Co. will hold a sale of household furniture, clc., at their rooms to-iuorrow. Mr D, 11. Spedding will offer for sale at his rooms on Friday. 23rd inst., a quantity Of table linen and household napery. Members of the Duncdin Shorthand Writers' Association aro reminded that the examination for Pitman's speed certificates will take place in 'lie Normal School on Friday evening, 23rcl inst. i'iie official assignee notifies the filing ofstatements of accounts and balance sheets in u number of bankrupt estates, and that at the sitting of (he Bankruptcy Court, to ho held on Monday, 16th November, it is intended to apply for an order granting release of the administration of same. The St. Kilda Borough Council notifies that it is tho intention of tho council to apply lor an Ordcr-in-Conncil authorising the construction of tramways through the Borougli of St. Kilda, a full description of tho routes of which appear in our advertising columns. The South British Fire and Marine Inturnnce Company notifies that dividend warrants (or the half-year ending 31st August, 1903, can now bo obtained at the company's office. The annual reunioa of the Duncdin and Suburban Courts, Otago District, A.0.F., will be held in the Choral Ilall oa Friday, 23rd inst. Tho Otago Education Board has decided to offer for competition this year 2-1 scholarships— 12 junior and 12 senior,—and the examination in connection therewith will commence on Wednesday, December 10. An examination of candidates for employment as papi! teachers will be held on Thursday, December 17. Tho Dulicdin Orchestral Society will hold its 'third concert of the season in the Garrison Hall on Wednesday, 28th inst. A lecture, under tho auspices of the Theofophical Society, will be delivered by Mr A. W. Msurais in tho society's rooms this evening. Mr Alexander S. Adams ia to be honoured next Monday evening at a special meeting in the Choral Hall, when he will be presented with an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns. Brief congratulatory addresses are snnounccd from representatives of tho Church Council, the United Temperance Xle'drm Council, and tho Cowl Templars, as well as a short musical programme, Tho removal of superfluous hair as practised by Hendy, hair specialist, is recommended by leading medical authorities. Consultations gratis.—Advt. Tailoring Department at Mollison's.—We beg to advise you that cur summer shipment of new tweeds a.ro now to hand, while for extent end variety our stock will be found to contain all that is fashionable. All garments are produced on the premises, under tho supervision of our cutter (Mr Fred Smith, jun.). The prices charged are tho lowest- possible consistent with good material and workmanship. Mollison's, George and Fredcuick streets, Duncdin—Advt See the display of llio season jn new spring and Bunuuor goods now on view at- CO and 62, George street. Dallas and Watt.—Advt. We havo received from Messrs G. and T. Young an invitation, o?on to our readers, to inspect several new and choice designs in silverware and jewellery which have just been opened Up. This firm has an unequalled selection of goods suitable for wedding and birthday gifts.— Advt. , . Deatol, a fragrant liquid dentifrice; cleanses and whitens tho teeth and hardens the gums, takes a.way ioul breath. Bottles, 2s each; all chemists'.—Advt. Wuo is Peter Dick?—Tho most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Mace, Moray place, Dunedin. Chatges strictly moderate.-Advf.-