-PRACTICAL AID AND SYMPATHY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2719, 25 April 1906, Page 34

-PRACTICAL AID AND SYMPATHY.

AUCKLAND. April 23. A public meeting convened by the Mayor, held this afternoon, decided to Canvass the city for subscriptions in aid of the San Francisco Relief Fund. The sum of £62 10s was subscribed in the room. WELLINGTON, April 23. A meeting of members of the Chamber ci Commerce was held this afternoon for the purpose of considering the question of raising fund 3 for the relief of sufferers hv the disaster at San Francisco. It was 'decided that the Chamber should \-ote £20 from its funds, that this sum should be j supplemented by subscriptions from members and firms, and that, the whole should bo handed over to a citizens* 1 fund. { A public meeting was held in the I Mayor's room to-night in connection with sending help to San Francisco. A message from the Premier regretting his absence stated: — "I have not received an official reply as yet . to New Zealand's desire to render practical sympathy to the extent of 25.000d01. It will be . able if New Zealand is not allowed to serrl Tielp. There are so many New Zealand relatives in the State of California that it has irresistible claims upon us. and -their claim will be admitted and met with &bat generous spirit for which the people

of New Zealand have always been noted." The Mayor said : " While President Roosavelt did not want to compromi-e himself by accepting assistance from all and sundry, but he could not control the desire of the people to contribute by way of Vancouver. He moved a resolution expressing the determination of the Wellington people to contribute. The resolution was seconded by Bishop Wallis, and carried. On the motion of the Hon. T. Y. Duneau, a committee was appointed to act in co-operation with committees in other parts of the province. About £120 was collected in the Toom. The committee subsequently decided to promote a demonstration on the Basin Reserve on Wednesday afternoon, consisting of a procession, speeches, band music, etc. Arrangements will probably be made for men from the warship and merchant vessels in port to take part. The Premier and Governor will be as-ted to participate in the proceedings. A meeting of ladies will be held to-morrow to arrange for the collection of subscriptions. Theatrical companies are to be asked to give a benefit performance, and ministers of religion will "be requested to set apart a collection next Sunday for the benefit of a fund. CHRISTCHURCH, April 23. The following motion was adpoted at a meeting of ths City Council to-night: — "' That thi3 council desires to express deep sorrow at the terrible catastrophe that has befallen the City of San Francisco and neighbouring: .town, and ite heartfelt sympathy with the sufferers." THE NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY. AUCKLAND. April 23. The New Zealand Insurance Company has received information from San Francisco that their building was destroyed by fire. Its officers have not yet been atle to get to the strong room, but it is expected that its records will be found intact. At the Stock Exchange call at noon today New Zealand Insurance Company's shares sold at £3 12s 6d. Buyers remain at £3 10s, and sellers at £3 17s 6d. [Share values in the New Zealand Insurance Company have recently been standing at about £5 ~l4s. The shares are of £10 each, of which £2 only has been called up.] (Fhom Oitk Own Cokrxsponbktt.) WELLINGTON, April 23. There is evidently a scare on in regard to the New Zealand Insurance Company's shares. One Auckland holder telegraphed to a Wellington broker this morning asking him to quit a number of shares at £3 15s. This is a drop of £2 a share within the last few days, and represents a decline of £250,000" on the total share capital of the company. There has probably been a .good deal of needles alarm about the losses of the company, because, according to the last balance sheet it has liquid assets amounting to £735.000, and, though the company has a large 'business in California, it is not confined to San Francisco, but is spread over a wide area, and the risk is very greatly minimised by reinsurances. In leKard to the company's offices destroyed by fire in San Francisco, I learn that it is well insured with another company, and that there is an" excellent strong room, so that tiie chances are the records are safe. NEW ZEALANDERS IN SAN FRANCISCO. Mr and Mrs James Gray, of St. Clair, escaped the earthquake, having left San Francisco for the East before the disaster. The acting-manager of the New Zealand Press Association has received a cable from San Francisco notifying him of the safety of Mr W. H. Atack, manager of the a^oeiation. Rev. E. Richards, who was successively minister of the Baptist churches at Lincoln. North-East Valley, and Palmerston North, removed to California last year, and settled ai pastor of the Baptist Church at Yacacille, Solano County, within the area of the recent disastrous earthquake. Many friends will be anxious to learn whether or not he and his family are safe. Prominent among San Franci=co citizens is a brother of Mr E. C. Hutton, of Hutton's Agency, Moray place. The San Francisco Examiner of January 8. 1902, gives details of the appointment of Lawyer Harry W. Hutton as Commissioner of Police, the term of office for which is four year<j. and describes the appo-int-ee as a man of means, who acquired his legal education at Has-ting's Law College, which is part of the University of California. Mr H. W. Hutton was at one time in New Zealand, leaving Hokitika for California about 1870. Mr Hutton. of Dunedin, has also two sisters in San Francisco — Mrs Terrill and Mrs Claik. Amongst the residents of San Francisco is Mr Bernard Fa!ck, brother of Mr F. Falck. of Dunedin. One of Mr Falek's daughters is studying at the Berkley University, -which was first rer.'orted to have been destroyed, but afterwards reported as having escaped. Another daughter. Dr Elizabeth Falek. resided at 1303 Broadway street, where she practices her profession. Mr Hugh Cecil Smith, a one lime resident of Dunedin, was lately a resident of San Francisco, where he followed up bis occ-upat'cn as a jeweller. His object in going to America was to study •electmal ergineering. and from a letter recently iereued by Mr Quinton G. M'lvinnon. of li'\ercargill. a few days ago. it appears he was making considerable progress. Mr Snath was well knov.n in Dunedin.