SHIPWRECK RELIEF SOCIETY

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 36

SHIPWRECK RELIEF SOCIETY

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the executive of the Shipwreck Relief Society of New’ Zealand w’as held on Tuesday, afternoon, and was attended by Mr C. W. Chamberlain, who presided, Sir George Fenwick, and Messrs J. MTntosh and W. R. Clarke. Mr G. L. Denniston was re-elected honorary treasurer, and Mr E. S. Wilson was reappointed secretary. Appreciative reference was made to the manner in which Mr Wilson had carried out his duties. The Prime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates) wrote acknowledging receipt of advice of his re-election to the position of patron of the society, and wishing the society every success. Mr Downie Stewart w’rote thanking the society for his re-election as vice-patron. Accounts amounting to £33 6s 4d were passed for payment.

It was decided to invest £5OO in 51 per cent. Government inscribed stock, and to leave £2OO in the Dunedin Savings Bank. The following sub-committee was set up for the ensuing quarter:—Messrs Chamberlain, Denniston, MTntosh, and S. K. Sleigh. The following list of collections on steamers for the society w T as received from the Union Steam Ship Company with thanks :—Manuka, £l7 18s 4d ; Marama, £l9 18s 6d; Moeraki, £lB 2s 2d; Tofua, £3 8s 3d; Maunganui, £l7 9s 9d ; Niagara, £l4 13s 8d ; Makura, £G 16s 6d; Tahiti, £l2 0s lOd; total, £lO9 18s. Mr H. H. Driver (honorary secretary of the Otago branch of the British Sailors’ Society) wrote suggesting that the Shipwreck Relief Society might assist in providing for the seamen who were continually coming to the two local ports. He stated that much hospitality was extended to the men, and provision was made for their comfort and convenience. Religious services W’ere arranged for their benefit, and all was done by voluntary labour. Some £250 was required for carrying on the Rests, and any help the society could give would be very gratefully received.—lt was decided to make a donation of £lO. The Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, Auckland, W’rote stating that on the 9th inst., when fishing off the northeast end of Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf, the auxiliary oil launch Nelson took the ground in a strong north-easter. The skipper W’as endeavouring to shelter in a hay, in the neighbourhood, and dropped anchor, which dragged, and before the engines could be started again the vessel touched and quickly went to pieces. The skipper and his mate got ashore, aud received every assistance from the residents at Oneroa. The writer recommended that the mate (Charles Johnson) should be assisted to the extent of £5 ss. —lt was decided to comply with the request.