The Transvaal.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2678, 5 January 1900, Page 4

The Transvaal.

In our report of the Waimate fund the name of the Rev. G. Barclay, who gave £2, was inadvertly omitted by our correspondent. The benefit societies and other local societies at Waimate are preparing to have as successful a meeting as possible on the 9th instant, in support of the effort now so liberally and generally being made for raising money for sufferers in the South African campaign, A public meeting was held in the Victoria Hall at Winchester last Wednesday evening, to consider the best means of contributing to the patriotic fund. Mr W. Deßenzy occupied the chair, and the meeting was a very enthusiastic one. The chairman made a strong appeal on behalf of the patriotic fund, which, he said, was for the purpose of assisting the wives and children of the brave fellows who had lost their lives in fighting against the Boers, as well as to assist the refugees who, in a penniless condition, had been forced to leave their country by the Boers. Mr John Opie explained that there were three funds in operation, namely, the Patriotic Fund, started by the Lord Mayor of London, the Canterbury War Fund, which was for the purpose of sending a Canterbury contingent to assist in this war and a fund started by the Christchurch JPrm called the More Men Fund, with much the same object as the Canterbury War Fund. Mr D. L. Inwood moved “ That this meeting of householders heartily supports the policy of the Government in sending a second contingent to the Transvaal, and would advise that more men be sent if necessary.” This was seconded by Major Young, and carried unanimously. The following were elected as a com mil tee to raise funds for the Patriotic Fund : - Messrs W. Deßenzy, D. L. Inwood, John Opie, Thomas Langdon, Angus McKay, J. Scott, G, Sloven, H. K Smith, T. L. Hart, D. McCaskill, H. J. Hitchens, W.' Harrison, Major Toung. and Mrs H. K t-mith, with power to add to their number. Mr D.

L. Inwood was requested to act as treasurer and Mr Steven as secretary. It was decided to leave the committee to arrange whether the money should be sent to Christchurch or Timaru. Mrs H. B. Smith promised to get up an entertainment in aid of the Fund in the Victoria Hall on Friday evening, the 12th inst., and provide music and refreshments as her contribution. More than £lO was collected in the room. The secretary, was requested to supply the members of the committee with collecting cards. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman. There was a good muster of members of the Waimate Rifles at the drillshecK yesterday on the occasion of the departure of Lance-Corporal R. Goldstone and Private W. Butcher, who left by express for final inspection as volunteers lor South Africa. After parade the company, under Captain Coltman, marched with their comrades to the railway station. A large number of people were present to bid good-bye to the departing volunteers. Captain Coltman, on behalf of his company , addressed the men at the railway station, wishing them every success and thanking them for the offer of their services. After singing the National Anthem, Dr Barclay, Mayor of Waimate and surgeon to the corps, on behalf of the town bid the two volunteers good-bye, and hoped for a safe and speedy return.