THE BUSH FIRE RELIEF FUND. [BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.] New Plymouth, Saturday.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2117, 2 February 1886, Page 3

THE BUSH FIRE RELIEF FUND. [BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.] New Plymouth, Saturday.

The Bush Settlers' Relief Committee met yesterday, when tho New Plymouth delegate*, who had met tho Hawera delegates, reported that all claim* likely to be made had been sent in and been examined by them, ami recommended that assistance be distributed from a common fund by delegate*. A long discussion ensued, when Sir Samuel, M.H.R., protested strongly against a fund which was subscribed for the relief of the destitute being given in pro- , jwrtion to the claims of each of the sufferers by the Gre, as the li«t of names contained large number* of thoroughly well-to-do settlers. Ho said the subscribers to the fund never expected such to put in claims. Mr Bauchope, hon. sec. to the delegates, stated that there were very few cases of positive hardship—in fact, he could not say there were more than six families who were really destitute. The committee passed a resolution requesting the joint delegates to distribute the relief funds. The New Plymouth subscription has reached £958, and Uawera, £480; donations are still coining to both Hate.