THE HUNTLY DISASTER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 197, 24 September 1914, Page 4

THE HUNTLY DISASTER.

HELP FROM THE WOMEN* Of course we are all horror stricken and appalled beyond words at the recent awful disaster .at Huntly, and our hearts ache when we think of those who have been left in a bereft and destitute condition by that tragic stroke of Fate. But practical help—help that means food, and shelter, and clothing, and all the other necessities of life—that is needed, too, and urg?ntly. Already the men of our city have made a move in the direction of. providing that help, and to-morrow (Friday) at 3 p.m., a meeting of women will be held in the Council Chambers to discuss what they may do to assist. For all that there has been so many calls on the generosity of the public within the last month or two, this is a matter which cannot be ignored, and which calls for all the help and practical sympathy that can be given. And, after all, we can only give money, or its equivalent, and that can always be replaced. But those women of Huntly have lost what can never be replaced—husbands, and brothers, and sons. And there are fatherless little children, too, whose claims on our are indeed heavy. Let everyone, then, do the utmost in her power to relieve what may be termed their bodily distress, for it is only Time that can soothe the other hurt. A large and representative attendance at to-morrow's meeting will be the first desirable step in the camr paign.

Various plans will no doubt be submitted to the meeting, and amongst others the idea 'of holding a "Rose Day" in the interests of the fund willprobably be considered. It will be remembered that the Rose Day suggestion was thrown oitt in this page a couple of weeks ago, with the idea that the proceeds might be devoted to patriotic purposes. He—ever, this need had not then arisen, and there is no reason that it should not now be organised in aid of the Huntly Fund. Several ladies who are interesting themselves in the matter, consider that no better idea could be instituted by way of helping the fund, and they will in all likelihood introduce the subject at the meeting. However, whatever plan is hit on, let us hope that it will be one calculated to. secure a good financial return, for every bit of it will be needed.