Second Edition.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11728, 1 December 1905, Page 7

Second Edition.

THE FOODLESS MAORIS

With reference to our subleader in last evening's issue, calling attention to the deplorable condition of the up-river native 3, and appealing for donations in cash or kind to reliave their destitution and save them from, starvation, we have receiveda letter from his Worship the Mayor, in which he informs us that in his Mayoral capacity he will make an appeal to the citizens of Wanganui on behalf of the object of which we have spoken. Mr Bignell specialises gifts of foodstuffs — potatoes^ flour, biscuits, etc., as being highly acceptable, and asks that these be forwarded direct to tho river -steamer ■wharf^ addressed- to his care, as follows: Foodlosa Maoris, C/o Mayor, River Steamer Wharf.

Messrs A. Hatrick and Co. have kindly "Undertaken to carry all gifts up the river •on their steamers freo of charge, and 0.. receipt of same at the wharf they will bo taken care of and put aboard the next steamer, to be forwarded to the different points on the river in need of assistance. Mr Gibson, of Pipiiiki, has kindly con--sented to take charge of and distribute all foodstuffs sent to his district, and Mi liutherford will perform the same duty at Koriniti, while the authorities at Jerusalem will distribute to the natives there.

Cash contributions may be sent direct to his Worship the Mayor, who will acknowledge them, as well as gifts in kind, through the columns of the local Press. Mr Bignell has pleasure in subscribing the snm oi\<£2 2s to the fund, and asks us to ■acknowledge a donation of £1 Is from Mr J. H. Burnett.

We arc sure that this lead will be heartily supported, by the people of Wanganui, and we look forward to the pleasure of acknowledging, not only a substantial total in money, but also a large number of gififl in the shape of food supplies.- We trust also that our Maori friends who are better circumstanced than their unfortunate "brethren up-river will note our appeal to them in our subleader of last evening, and back up their pakeha friends in generously supporting so laudable an obiect. Tho need of the sufferers is extremely pressing, and immediate help is necessary, which, judging by the response already made to our appeal, will we are certain b-3 freely and. promptly given.

Dr. Hatherly has arranged for a collection to be taken up at his lecture on "True Temperance" in the Opera House on Sunday evening, the proceeds of which .will be handed to the Mayor as a contribution to the Foodlcss Natives' Fund.

Collections for the same object will bo taken at the No-license demonstration in the Drill Hall, on Sunday afternoon and evening, the No-license League having determined to devote their contributions or that day to the fund.

Mt Hatiick wishes to acknowledge thfollowing foodstuffs from — Messrs Dickie Bros., Wanganui, fifteen 501 bof flour, consigned to Mr Gibson. Messrs Purser and Son, ten 501 bof flour, consigned to Father Maillard. Licensed Victuallers' Association — Tea lOlb for Mr Gibson, 101 b for Father Maillard; flour, 1 sack each; sugar, lewt each ; lice, 561 b each; cabin bread, lewt each; salt, 141 b each ; oatmeal, 501 b each ; cream of tartar 31b each; baking soda, 3lb each. Mr T. McEwen, one bag of bread.

Following are copie3 of letters sent by Mr Hatrick to . the Premier and Father Maillard: —

"Waneramii, December 1, 1900. Biglit lion, the Premier, Wellington. Dear Sir, — I send you herewith clippings from the two local papers in reference to the- starving condition of many of the natives on the Wanjanui River. You will see that an appeal is being made to the public here for food supplies, but . the natives must have seed potatoes, and at once. One of the Government Departments about a fortnight ago sent up nine sacks of potatoes to be distributed all along the river. You can imagine that such a quantity as this is no more than the proverbial "drop, in the bucket." Might I suggest that a substantial quantity be pent up-river for the various villages, an<* that a Government officer be sent with them to not only inquire into the condition of the natives, but to make arraneeBientfi with the schoolmasters at the various places to see that the potatoes sent them are actually planted, and aLsc to instruct the natives in the matter ol spraying for blight prevention. — Yoitrs faithfully,

A. HATRICK.

Wanganui, December 1, 1905. Father Maillard. Jerusalem, Wanganui River. *

Dear Sir, — You will see from the papers which I send you by this mail that I am following up your letter on the subject of the natives being short of food, by making an appeal to the public. This I fesl s»re, knowing as I do the generosity of a large section of the Wanganui public, will >be largely responded to, and I have taken the liberty of saying that you will take charge of any foodstuffs sent to you. and distribute amongst those natives who are in want, both at Jerusalem, Banana. 3\aratea, and Kaiwaroa. I am also fending food for distribution to Mr Gibson at Pipiriki. — Yours faithfully, A. HATRICK.