SHIPWRECK RELIEF SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3769, 8 June 1926, Page 79

SHIPWRECK RELIEF SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING. Ihe annual meeting of the Shipwreck Rebel Society of New Zealand waa Held in the Town Hall on the 31st ult. The president (Sir Win. SiniJ occupied me chair, and there was a small 'attendance. in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, the President said the' society had not had any great demands made upon it during the year, it had dealt with five cases ot shipwreck during the year, but m each case the call made for funds had not been large, with tho result that the total expenditure was £149 0s 9d. There was one notable thing about the balance sheet, and that was the very large sum received from entertainments on hoard the Union Company’s steamers, having been received from that source during the year. A hat showed the wonderful way in which the company was able to augment the funds of the society Mr D. E. l'heomin, who seconded the motion, said that more titan piui.-e was due to the Union Company foi the extraordinarily large sums collected through the kindness and generosity of the passengers on the vessels. These results enabled the society to look forward without much fear to the future. It was well known, of course, that a serious mishap might occur at any time, entailing a very heavy draft on the funds of the society, but it was hoped that such a contingency would not urise. The society had not hesitated lo / meet in full any demands made by sufferers j from shipwreck, and it had gone out of its f ordinary course to ascertain if anyone was! in need of relief. He congratulated chairman of committee and the treasurer on the way in which the funds had been administered and on the care generally bestowed on the work of the society. The motion was carried. Mr F. O- Bridgeman moved a heaity vote ol thanks to the Union Company for its hearty and constant support of the society. Mr G. L. Denniston, who seconded the motion, said he thought the generosity of the Union Company was surprisingly good, and had been so for many years. The society’s share of the proceeds was very handsome and very ample, and he thought they should pass the motion with the deepest gratitude. Although they had been prosperous so far the day might come, when an accident would deplete their resources. The motion was carried unanimously. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year: —Patron. his Excellency the Governor General (Sir Charles Fergusson) ; vice-patrons, the Right Hon. J. G- Coates and the Hon. W. Dowme Stewart; president, Sir William Sim hon. solicitor, Mr J. A. Cook: auditor. Mr C. Russell Smith ; executive—Sir George Fenwick, Captain Fraser. Messrs F O Bridgeman, W. Clarke, N. Galbraith, E. C. Hazlett, J. MTntosh, S K. Sleigh, D. E. l’heomin, G- U. Denniston and C. \V. Chamberlain.On the proposal of the President, the following motion was carried unanimously: "The Society desires to express it regret at the resignation of Mr J A. Park from the committee through ill-health, and to express its appreciation of all that Mr Park has done tor the society from its inception.”

On the motion of Mr O. W. Chamberlain a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Sir Wm. Sim for pre idnig9qg • -kff —? -h Sir Wm. Sim for presiding