THE LATE BUSH FIRES. TO THE EDITOR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8741, 29 March 1890, Page 3

THE LATE BUSH FIRES. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — The letter from an Tnglewood correspondent on March 26th has caused considerable comment. Mmy think that the writer cannot have informed himself very accurately as to the necessitous cases in even his own district. In a private letter received to-day, the following remarks occur with reference to the needs of some around Inglewood, who were not " actually burnt out," and which will apply to other parts of the country. " There are many families here who would be very glad of clothing. A number will have very hard times this winter. I think we do not know the worst yet. The cattle will be half starved. The dairies will produce nothing. I know of many people who ■were making forty pounds of butter a week, now making only from 15 to 20, and will soon be doing nothing." So " H.P." will have abundant opportunity for relieving the distress which undoubtedly must ensue as the result of the bush fires. And as he emphasises the ability and willingness of himself and others to help, no doubt lie will seek out the needy ones. Instead of overfonvardnessj 1 the disinclination of the poor settlers to make known their wants has been proved already. Many, indeed most, of them would endure to the last extremity before formally applying for charitable aid. As yet they hardly realise what is before them during the cold winter months, when they find their sole income entirely cut off. If kind people in Auckland and Wellington or elsewhere aie disposed to contribute, either in goods or money, no ona should by voice or pen seek to deter them from doing so. A wise and careful distribution will certainly be necessary, but there are kind and sympathetic people to be found in various places, who would gladly undertake the task, and who of their more intimate knowledge of the fandies requiring help from time to time could render good service to the Relief Committee o£ New Plymouth. The ladies who arc still working, and others who may be receiving gifts of clothing, would probably be glad of suggestions for definite action from tho Cominittceo, who perhaps will see it advisable to invite them to a meeting of consultation — I am, &c, A. B.