Benevolent Aid.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5649, 19 June 1886, Page 3

Benevolent Aid.

A meeting convened by circular by the Mayor of Christchurch was held at the City Council Chambers yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of considering the advisability of resuscitating the Christchurch Benevolent Association ; present— His Worship tho Mayor (Chairman), Tery Eev the Dean, Eevs J". Aldred, W. Keall, J. J. Lewis and G. Bond, Messrs J. OUivier, W. E. Mitchell and C. Kiver. The Mayor explained the object for which the meeting had been called. Ee had taken this action in consequence of some remarks made by Mr John Ollivier and the Dean at a previous meeting, when the relief of sufferers by the late flood was considered. They had heard on every hand of the immense amount of good done by the old Benevolent Association, and he hoped those present would see their way to re-establish it. Mr G. Gould had written to say he would subscribe if the Benevolent Association was revived. A similar letter had been received from Mr J. G. Buddenklau, and the Eev T. Flavell had expressed sympathy with the movement, and apologised for his absence. He asked the Dean or Mr Ollivier, as the prime mover in the matter, to open the discussion. Mr Ollivier said he really considered, and he was happy to Bay that now a large section of the public had arrived at the ' same conclusion, that there never was a more unfortunate day than when they gave up that admirable institution for Benev©lent Aid which he hoped to see revived. He was quite sure scores of people desired to see such a Society at work again, and that money would flow in freely if it waß once again started. The Act provided that this could be done by establishing a Beparate institution if 100 persons would sign a petition to Government and guarantee the payment of 5s per annum. He was sure the Charitable Aid Board would not oppose the revival of the Benevolent Association. He had nothing to say against that Board, but it had to follow the letter of the law, and applicants had to conform to certain ruleß which deterred many from applying again for the relief they really needed. There was no doubt tbat tbe Government would grant the petition, and then the subscribers would have to meet to elect trusteea. He hoped soon to see that meeting held. He did not think it advisable that clergymen should be on the Committee ,- thoy should receive applications for relief, eend them to the Secretary, and let him investigate them. He concluded by moving — "That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that steps .be forthwith taken to re-establish the Benevolent Association, and that as soon as this has been done application be made te the Charitable Aid Board for a portion of the £800 handed over to it." The Dean seconded the motion. The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously. Mr Ollivier said tho real step wonld be to prepare the memorial to Government, and get it Bigned by one hundred subscribers, at 5s each. They might all work in preparing signatures. He would give all the assistance he could, but waa extremely busy jnst now. He moved— "That Messrs C. Eiver and W. E. Mitchell be a Committea to prepare the memorial." The Mayor, with Messrs Mitchell and Kiver, were appointed a Committee to interview the Charitable Aid Board and report to a meeting to be held in the wo*, place at 3.80 p.m. next Friday. This was all the business, and the meeting separated after paet-ing a vote of thank -■ tn the Mayor for presiding.

Eight thousand liwTies of Cork County have- sunt a petition to tho Queen agaitst Uoii-.o Knle. One thousand of the af^rs are Catholics.