OTTAWA FIRE (PROPOSED CONTRIBUTION FROM THE CONSOLIDATED FUND TO AID SUFFERERS BY).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1900 Session I, H-14a

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

OTTAWA FIRE (PROPOSED CONTRIBUTION FROM THE CONSOLIDATED FUND TO AID SUFFERERS BY).

Laid upon the Table of both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave.

Telegeam from Peemiee to all Members of the General Assembly, dated Ist May, 1900. You will have noticed Press messages about the conflagration that has occurred in Canada, and the destitution and suffering occasioned thereby. Kindly inform me whether you think the Government should, for and on behalf of the people of this colony, extend practical sympathy by sending contribution. Please reply by memo. E. J. Seddon.

Replies from Membees of the House of Repeesentatives. Right Hon. the Premier. Port Chalmers, 2nd May, 1900. I heaetily approve of Government giving financial help to Ottawa sufferers, especially when the colony is in a nourishing condition, as it is. E. G. Allen.

Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. Dunedin North, 2nd May, 1900. Reply your memo. Ottawa conflagration, believe our people desire to show practical sympathy with the sufferers, and I therefore think Government should promptly send assistance. James Allen.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. Yes, at once. J. F. Aenold.

The Premier. ■ Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. In reply to memo, about Ottawa, I think that to make a contribution from public funds would create a dangerous precedent, only to be justified by some great Imperial emergency. Moreover, I could not in any case approve present proposals without fuller knowledge of our financial position and of Canada's competency to cope with the disaster. I respectfully suggest that Ministers could attain the desired object without straining the Constitution, by opening a public subscriptionlist and heading it themselves. A. R. Atkinson.

Hon. the Premier. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. Be Ottawa fire : Think private subscriptions will cope with disaster. If precedent to be made of granting State funds, think Indian famine has first claim. A. R. Baeclay.

The Premier. Bae's Junction, 3rd May, 1900. Would support vote, but think private subscriptions would better represent the sympathy of the colonists of New Zealand. Jas. Bennet.

The Bight Hon. R. J. Seddon. Auckland, 4th May, 1900. Am of opinion Government should contribute a reasonable amount to Canadian Eire Relief Bund. John Bollaed.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Christchurch, 3rd May, 1900. Appeove proposal colony send assistance to allay suffering caused by Ottawa fire. D. Buddo, Eernside.

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Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. I certainly think the Government should extend practical sympathy by sending substantial subscription to assist our fellow British subjects in Canada who have suffered so severely by the terrible fire. W. W. Collins.

The Eight Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Auckland, 2nd May, 1900. I hold that practical sympathy from one part of the Empire to another in distress should at all times be given, and will support your Government in sending contributions on behalf of the people of New Zealand to sufferers by the fire in Canada. Jambs Golvin, Westport.

Hon. B. J. Seddon. Colac Bay, 2nd May, 1900. Yes. Send sympathy and assistance at once. T. Y. Duncan.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. In reply to your memo, regarding colony rendering some assistance to the sufferers by the fearful fire in Canada, I am in sympathy with your thoughtful proposal. H. G. Ell.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Woodbury, 2nd May, 1900. I think it would be more prompt if the Government contributed, and if you consider it would not check private contribution I will fall in with your suggestion. P. R. Peatman.

The Right Hon. the Premier. Woodbury, sth May, 1900. Be Ottawa contribution : If your suggestion accomplished, the condition of our fellow-creatures in India should not be forgotten, and if ships are available ten thousand bushels of wheat at less or its equivalent in flour should be sent at once. The colony could supply this cereal better than cash, providing the time in forwarding is not a hindrance. P. R. Flatman.

Bight Hon. Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. Ceetainly think our colony should grant substantial aid to sister colony in time of such distress, and in view of recent strain on private purses am of opinion contribution should be from public funds. W. H. Eield.

The Right Hon. the Premier. Greymouth, Bth May, 1900. Be Indian famine and Ottawa fire : As the British Dominions are more than ever federated into a nation with one heart-beat and one well-defined conception of ascendency of race, there can be but one feeling, one consideration, in the mind of every true patriot—the feeling of affection and duty in any case of national calamity. The Government will therefore have my full and loyal support in any step they may determine to take. George Fisher.

Hon. Seddon. Auckland, 3rd May, 1900. Be Ottawa fire : Should like to see colony do something. Am afraid donation from consolidated revenue may establish dangerous precedent, but, in view of heavy demand made for Patriotic, Contingent, and Famine Funds, will support. Geo. Fowlds.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Dannevirke, 2nd May, 1900. Without doubt we should extend practical sympathy to a sister colony in affliction. Owing to the numerous calls of late, delays, and possibly unsatisfactory results, would accrue from an appeal to individuals ; consequently, in a case of such expediency, I am in favour of the Government subscribing for and on behalf of the people. Alfred L. D. Frasee.

The Bight Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. The calamity is so overwhelming, and the need of help so urgent, that I feel certain Parliament will not only sanction but approve of course you suggest. You may rely on my hearty support thereto. W. Feasee, M.H.B.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Wellington, 3rd May, 1900. I approve of proposal that Government send contribution to sufferers by fire Ottawa, as object a philanthropic and meritorious one. W. Gieeedder, Invercargill.

The Et. Hon. the Premier. Nelson, sth May, 1900. While, as a rule, strongly opposed to expenditure from Consolidated Bund without appropriation by Parliament as unconstitutional and improper, yet, because of urgent necessity for immediate help to millions of fellow-creatures, and the unprecedentedly satisfactory financial condition of our own colony disclosed by the Public Accounts, also in view of many recent demands upon the patriotism and philanthropy of the people in their private capacity, which render the circumstances extremely exceptional, I feel justified, on behalf of my constituents and the colony, in agreeing, by my vote, to assist in ratifying the action of the Government, for making a reasonable contribution towards relieving the terrible distress in India and Ottawa caused by famine and fire. John Geaham.

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Rt. Hon. Premier. Greymouth, 2nd May, 1900. In reply to your memorandum, think some practical sympathy for sufferers Ottawa fire desirable, and I would strongly urge Government to take similar action to aid and alleviate sufferers by Indian famine. A. R. Guinness.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Woodville, 2nd May, 1900. Yes. You should take prompt action. The funds should be for the relief of distress, and to reinstate the poor in their homes. Charles Hall, M.H.R.

The Rt. Hon. Mr. Seddon. Invercargill, 3rd May, 1900. Peoposal re contributing to Ottawa Relief Eund has my approval. J. A. Hanan.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Rakaia, 3rd May, 1900. Reply to memo., I think practical sympathy should be expressed by public subscription, and will gladly join any movement for the furtherance of such laudable work. Excuse delay on account of absence. C. A. C. Hardy.

R. J. Seddon, Esq., Premier. Ohinemutu, 2nd May, 1900. Yes, by all means. Native chiefs assembled here greatly sympathize with sufferers, and approve proposed step by your Government. Hone Here.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Te Aroha, 2nd May, 1900. Am not in favour of grant out of Consolidated Pund Canadian fire. Think better left private subscriptions. No objection Government collecting that. Think any question of grant should be left till meeting of Parliament, as that is close at hand. W. H. Herries.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Masterton, 2nd May, 1900. I most heartily approve of the proposal to send contribution to Canada. Would also like to see shipload of produce forwarded as gift in advance to the starving people of India. A. W. Hogg.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Carterton, 2nd May, 1900. I most heartily concur in the proposal to send help to Ottawa for and on behalf of the people of New Zealand. lam also of opinion that a sum of money should be given towards relieving the awful distress occasioned by the Indian famine. J. T. M. Hoensby.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Mongonui, 2nd May, 1900. Consider it the duty of this colony to extend practical sympathy to Canada, or any of the sister colonies, in case of distress, and thus help to cement the brotherly union which must ultimately lead to Imperial federation. Robt. M. Houston.

The Rt. Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. In reply to your memo, re contribution to sufferers by fire in Ottawa, I am distinctly of opinion the Dominion Government is quite able to deal with all immediate distress, and would therefore counsel waiting for fuller information before consenting to remission of a sum of public money, which to be adequate must be considerable. John Hutcheson.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Waiuku, 3rd May, 1900. I think New Zealand should contribute only by public subscription, not from public fund. H. Kaihau.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Ohaupo, sth May, 1900. In reply to your wire re Government sending contributions to Canada, it appears to me matter should be met by private subscriptions ; but, if Australian Colonies are contributing, will not oppose New Zealand doing so also. F. W. Lang.

Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Lyttelton, 2nd May, 1900. Replying to your memo, of equal date re Canadian conflagration, I favour the idea of us, as a people, extending some practical help. How much do you propose should be sent ? George Laurenson.

R. J. Seddon. Auckland, 2nd May, 1900. Will support your Government in sending substantial sum for purpose indicated in this telegram. Believe public opinion will also support. People are getting tired of making individual contributions. F. Lawey.

Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. Feilding, 4th May, 1900. Think the Government should extend practical sympathy by sending contributions. F. Y. Lethbeidge.

Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Sir,— Christchurch, 7th May, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your two telegrams relative to fire in Canada and the famine in India. On neither question have I any opinion to offer. During the

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recess private members either possess or do noc possess rights and responsibilities in connection with the expenditure of public moneys. Custom in the past has supported the latter while your telegrams uphold the former assumption. At the proper time and in the proper place I shall be prepared to discuss the question raised by this divergence, and, if necessary, to assist in formulating a scheme embodying the circumstances and conditions under which private members may be called upon to sanction expenditure during the recess. Upon the merits of any such scheme I offer no opinion, but I hold that it is not for any Ministry to decide whether and when such sanction shall be sought. If I possess the right to be consulted, its exercise must be regulated by something more definite than the caprice of a Minister. Under these circumstances, I trust that my refusal to answer your questions will not be attributed to a lack of courtesy, or to the want of interest in the questions themselves. I have, &c, Charles Lewis.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Auckland, 4th May, 1900. If the Canadian Government are unable to cope with the destitution and suffering occasioned by the fire at Ottawa, then we should assist; but otherwise I do not think we should be justified in using the public funds of this colony for the purpose. W. F. Massey.

Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. Okaiawa, 4th May, 1900. Your memo, has only just reached me. Consider the lines indicated the best, most prompt, and most equitable of rendering assistance. Felix McGuire.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Westport, 2nd May, 1900. Be Canadian fire relief : Your memo, somewhat indefinite. If you mean Government contributing from consolidated revenue, suppose, in face of large extraordinary expenditure already incurred on military contingents, if you mean free transmission of contributions subscribed by public I have no objection. However, property destroyed by fire will probably be well insured. Consider Indian Famine Relief Fund more deserving of your benevolence, if Treasury is overburdened with surplus cash. R. McKenzie.

The Hon. the Premier. Doyleston, 2nd May, 1900. If disaster is as great as reported in Ottawa, assistance from us will be welcomed by Canada, and will not impoverish New Zealand. Regret the need has arisen. John McLachlan.

Hon. Premier. Invercargill, 3rd May, 1900. Peefee leaving contribution of New Zealand to private charity. New-Zealanders have always shown themselves able and willing to cope with such demands. Colonial vote seems cold response to personal appeal. Robt. McNab.

The Rt. Hon. the Premier. Christchurch, 3rd May, 1900. Be your wire fire disaster Canada, will support Government in any practical expression of sympathy decided on by Cabinet. What you do do quickly. R. Meeedith.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. I am opposed to grant from consolidated revenue, as it does not appear to me to be a legitimate charge on that fund, and would therefore lay down a dangerous precedent. J. A. Millae.

The Premier. Blenheim, 3rd May, 1900. If the insurances do not cover a reasonable portion of the loss, I am strongly in favour of extending our practical sympathy to the sister colony of Canada, and to whatever amount the Government consider we are justified in sending. C. H. Miles.

The Hon. the Premier. Helensville, sth May, 1900. I doubt the propriety of so dealing with public money without vote of Parliament first obtained. On behalf of my constituency, am willing to assert sympathy with Canada in her misfortune by donating one fortnight of my income from the Treasury, if Ministers and other members agree to do the same. R. Monk.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. Looking at the serious nature of the conflagration in Canada, and the thousands of people rendered homeless and destitute, also this being a crucial period in the history of the British Empire which the Canadians have nobly responded to, I would support the Government in any proposals that would convey to the people of Canada our sympathy in a practical manner by sending them a liberal contribution. This is the time for the English-speaking communities to show to the world that we are all members of one household. Aethub Moebison.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. 1 think it our duty to extend practical sympathy to our Canadian fellow-citizens in their hour of trial, and will support the voting by Parliament of such sum as the Government may now send. W. J. Napier, Auckland.

Bight Hon. B. J. Seddon, Premier. Auckland, 6th May, 1900. I gloey in your proposal to contribute aid to our fellow-colonial sufferers from the Ottawa conflagration. The world knows to-day that the strength of England is not bounded by the three seas

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that encircle the British Islands, but that her colonies all the world over vie with the dwellers at Home in upholding the British flag ; but there is another characteristic of colonists, and that is their attachment to one another, and their pride in the name of colonists. I hope you will give liberally to our fellow-colonists at Ottawa —that you will act promptly, and remember the adage that " the gift of to-day is double that of to-morrow." lam sure that any contribution you may give will receive the rapturous approval of the representatives of the people of New Zealand. G. Maurice O'Rorke, Speaker.

Hon. the Premier. Auckland, 2nd May, 1900. I would like to see the Government contribute, and will approve of whatever course they may adopt. J. Palmee.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Seacliff, 3rd May, 1900. Be Canada : Would extend sympathy. T. Paeata.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Gisborne, sth May, 1900. I think we should most certainly contribute. My people here are already collecting money, which they purpose sending to the relief of the sufferers. Wi Pere.

R. J. Seddon. Palmerston North, 2nd May, 1900. Support proposal contribute relief sufferers Ottawa fire from Treasury, and think Government should take same course regard to white man's burden in Indian famine district. Fred. Pirani.

Rt. Hon. the Premier Lincoln, 3rd May, 1900. Looking at sacrifice Canada has made in sending troops to South Africa, and the fact that assistance to be of value must be sent at once, I think Government right in sending contribution. R. Heaton Rhodes.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. I approve of Government extending practical sympathy to sufferers by the Ottawa fire on behalf of the people of New Zealand, and will support any action you take in that behalf. G. W. Russell, M.H.R., Riccarton.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Hastings, 3rd May, 1900. lam conscious Ido not sufficiently know the necessities in connection with. Ottawa fire. First reports are often exaggerated. I do not know amounts covered by insurance, or proportion of loss falling on the wealthy. If New Zealand contributes out of revenue, it should only be after ascertaining that both the Canadian and Ontarian Governments are giving in proportion to population at least double what we contribute. I do not urge this for cheeseparing reasons, but as some evidence of the necessities of the case as proved by donations from responsible and wellinformed authority. At this time, when the various portions of the Empire are being welded, anything this colony can do to help will be wisely done. W. R. Russell.

Hon. Premier. New Plymouth, 4th May, 1900. In reply to your memo, asking my opinion if the Government should contribute to the sufferers by the fire in Canada, my answer is Yes, and also to the Indian Fund to a greater or equal extent, as I believe in the brotherhood of man, and it to be the duty of the State to help each other in times of distress, as it has been reported that you have a record surplus, notwithstanding the money spent on old-age pensions. All acts of mercy and charity are returned with interest in the case of the individual and State and Church alike. Remembering that New Zealand received substantial help during the war troubles help, and help at once. The colony will indorse it. E. M. Smith.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Molesworth Street, 3rd May, 1900. I approve of New Zealand Government giving to the poor people of Canada who have been rendered destitute by the terrible visitation of some reasonable measures of relief from the fund of the colony, as such acts are or should be the practical principles of federation. John Stevens.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Ashburton, 2nd May, 1900. Be Ottawa disaster: New Zealand should certainly show the best sort of sympathy —practical aid — especially as Canadian and New Zealand troops are brothers-in-arms in Africa. At same time, in view of special burdens thrown on colony by war and pestilence, we cannot afford to be lavish. I think a contribution of ten thousand would meet the case. Wm. J. Stewaed.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Wellington, 3rd May, 1900. Do not think the fire disaster in Canada one that calls for intervention of Government—must be left to private generosity. Waltee Symes, Stratford.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. Telegeam received. Should disapprove any payment from Treasury either separately or as part of any general contribution from these colonies. Indian famine graver matter, and no one suggests public grant. W. W. Tannee.

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The Premier. Whangarei, 2nd May, 1900. Your memo, opens large question, as such assistance is always given by public subscription. Would suggest following course taken by Australian Colonies. R. Thompson.

Hon. Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. To assist the Empire, Canada and New Zealand have joined hands in Africa. If Canada requires assistance I approve of extension of practical sympathy, and feel sure Canada will reciprocate if occasion requires. T. M. Wilford.

Hon. Premier. Wanganui, 2nd May, 1900. I consider a dreadful calamity like the Ottawa fire demands the practical sympathy of every rightthinking person, but as the recent heavy private subscriptions for war contingents and Indian famine have fallen heavily on certain sections of the population, the Government should now contribute to the Ottawa Fund, as then every section of the community has to contribute; but, as the poor have by this means to assist out of proportion to the wealthy, and might establish a precedent, the assistance should not be excessive by the Government, but the fund should also be augmented by those who are able and willing to contribute by private subscription. A. D. Willis.

The Right Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 7th May, 1900. Agree to what Government resolve to do in regard to Canadian question, provided grant not in excess of two thousand pounds, as colony may yet require its money for colonial necessities. Ido not approve of any more public subscriptions being started. Witheford.

Replies from Membees of the Legislative Council. Hon. the Premier. Peel Forest, sth May, 1900. Heaetily approve Government sending contributions Canada. Baeton Aceand.

The Premier. Picton, 2nd May, 1900. We should decidedly extend practical sympathy to the sufferers at Ottawa without delay. Have deposited £1 for the fund at Post-office, Picton. W. D. H. Baillie.

The Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Richmond, 3rd May, 1900. Replying to your Auckland memo., I think that the Government would do well, on behalf of the people of this colony, to show its sympathy with Canada by assisting to mitigate the terrible sufferings occasioned by the conflagration at Ottawa. J. W. Barnicoat, M.L.C., Nelson.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Dunedin. In my opinion the misfortune which has befallen the people of Ottawa is so appalling in its magnitude and so crushingly disastrous in its effect as to render it a matter of national concern, and would warrant assistance from the revenues of the colony. lam further of opinion that in giving this assistance no account should be taken of what may or may not be done by voluntary effort among our people. W. M. Bolt.

Bt. Hon. B. J. Seddon. Molesworth Street, 2nd May,'l9oo. Heaetily concur with your proposal re assistance to Canada. J. A. Bonae, Wellington.

Hon. B. J. Seddon. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. Yes, I think the case sufficiently grave, considering the sacrifices recently made by Canada for the war, to justify prompt relief from New Zealand. Chaeles C. Bowen.

Rt. Hon. Premier. Invercargill, 2nd May, 1900. Should be strongly in favour of Government acting in way you suggest, especially as those who interest themselves in obtaining subscriptions for charitable and patriotic objects so recently appealed to private generosity for Patriotic and More Men Funds, and now have hands full with Indian famine list. If you send a contribution from colonial chest every taxpayer can feel that he individually has contributed his quota towards alleviating Ottawa distress. Henry Feldwick.

The Bight Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 6th May, 1900. Reply to urgent memo. Away from town when your first memo, arrived. Returned this evening (Saturday). I agree with the former, also with proposal to help the famine-stricken of India in the way several members suggest—viz., that the aid should be given from the consolidated revenue. F. H. Feasee.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. My experience tells me that in all these matters it is those who give who have to respond to philanthropic calls, while large section of public who have large means escape scot-free. In times of national danger and national calamities this is not just. New Zealand, acting in concert Australian

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Colonies, can surely afford to donate £25,000 to £30,000, and am confident our Legislature would cheerfully vote necessary measure of indemnity. In such manner you would draw upon every class in community according to their means, instead of touching only the philanthropic section. In times like this calamity which has overtaken Canadian capital we can practically demonstrate the ties of kinship which, bind the Empire. Hugh Goueley.

The Hon. the Premier. Molesworth Street, 2nd May, 1900. I think the Government, for the people, should show practical sympathy by sending contributions to Canada. Morgan S. Grace.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Tuakau, 3rd May, 1900. In reply to your telegram of Ist May, re late conflagration in Canada, by all means assist, giving practical sympathy in liberal contribution. B. Harris.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. Most certainly ; and am confident Parliament will confirm your action. J. E. Jenkinson.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Auckland, 3rd May, 1900. Certainly, Government should contribute towards alleviating distress occasioned by conflagration Canada. Moreover, would be justified in further contributing towards unhappy starving millions in India. Never mind what some may say in the matter; the impulse to help those who need it is a God-given one, and should not be stifled. Shake up this narrow selfish world into closer feeling brotherhood while you have the opportunity. It will be good example for others to follow. W. T. Jennings.

Sir,— Wellington, 4th May, 1900. In my opinion the conflagration at Ottawa is not a sufficient reason for New Zealand's contributing out of the Consolidated Fund to the losses there sustained. I have, &c, The Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier, &c. C. J. Johnston.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Seddon. . Oamaru, 2nd May, 1900. I think Government should contribute as you suggest, so that all may contribute. The numerous calls upon willing ones have become burdensome, and assistance by public subscription would be too tardy. Geo. Jones.

The Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. New Plymouth, sth May, 1900. Have only received your memo, this afternoon. I entirely agree with your benevolent wish to assist our fellow-colonists in Canada who have suffered so heavily by fire. We can afford to be generous as well as just. Thomas Kelly.

The Right Hon. the Premier. Auckland, 7th May, 1900. In reply to your memo., regret I was out of telegraph communication. lam agreeable that the unfortunates who are suffering from fire and famine in Canada and India should receive State aid, the Cabinet deciding what amount sufficient in each ease. Wm. Kelly.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Picton, 2nd May, 1900. Yes, I am decidedly in favour of your proposal to extend practical sympathy to Canada by sending contributions. Couetenay Kenny.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Greymouth, 2nd May, 1900. I deeply sympathize with suffering of people in Canada, and I believe it is the duty of one British colony to assist another in distress, therefore would approve and support Government in rendering to those destitute practical sympathy. James Kerr.

Premier. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. Peoposal new departure, but under present circumstances think a moderate contribution would be a graceful act. Geo. McLean.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. Looking to the close bond of union now existing between the colonies, I think it would be ungracious of New Zealand to refuse her sympathy with Canada in this Ottawa disaster. H. J. Millee.

The Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. I think the Government, on behalf of the people of New Zealand, should promptly contribute, liberally to the fund to relieve the sufferers by the fire in Canada. W. Montgomeey.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Auckland, 2nd May, 1900. Yes. Have seen Lawry. We think ten thousand. G. B. Moeeis.

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The Right Hon. the Premier. Napier, 7th May, 1900. In reply to your memo. I strongly recommend aid being given from the Consolidated Fund for relief of famine-stricken people in India. Regret I was absent from home, and only read yesterday memo, re aid to sufferers from fire in Canada. I cordially concur with the action taken by the Government. J. D. Ormond.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Christchurch. 2nd May, 1900. I most certainly think that at the present time we should have practical sympathy with our brother-colonists of Canada in this misfortune, and that the Government should remit a contribution to a moderate extent. J. T. Peacock.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Dunedin, 3rd May, 1900. Sympathy should be practical and soon. Suffering must be severe. D. PINKEETON.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Nelson, 2nd May, 1900. Quite concur that New Zealand should extend practical sympathy to Canada by sending contri butions re Ottawa fire. Albeet Pitt.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Nelson, 3rd May, 1900. Quite concur in your suggestion of showing practical sympathy with our fellow-subjects in Ottawa. Remember the adage, "He who gives quickly gives twice." Rich. Reeves.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Levin, 7th May, 1900. Owing to absence from Wellington, only received your wire re Ottawa fire late on Saturday evening. I have learned from newspapers what has been done, and fully approve of your action. John Rigg. .

The Rt. Hon. the Premier. Pahia, 3rd May, 1900. I think the colony should, through its Government, show sympathy with the Dominion of Canada after such a calamity, and in the manner indicated by you in your telegram. H. Scotland.

Hon. Premier. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. Yes ; I think proper thing to do. I had thought of organizing public subscription here, but in view of recent calls for contingents and Indian famine afraid poor result, therefore think Government might well undertake help behalf colony. A. Lee Smith.

Hon. the Premier. Oamaru, 2nd May, 1900. I am in sympathy with the unfortunate sufferers who homeless, but as you did not state the amount you intend to send I decline to commit myself. S. E. Shrimski.

Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. Avondale, 2nd May, 1900. In reply to your inquiry re conflagration in Canada, think the Governmment on behalf of colony should show practical sympathy to fellow-colony by sending contributions. W. O. Smith.

Right Hon. the Premier. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. Yes, fire Ottawa. Consider information quite insufficient enable form judgment as to existence of or certainty extent of destitution. If such is too great for relief by local private resources, Dominion Government ought meet it; ought decline aid other colonial Governments. E. C. J. Stevens.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Auckland, 3rd May, 1900. I certainly think that the Government should extend practical sympathy to the sufferers by the Ottawa conflagration by sending contribution from the Consolidated Fund. Wm. Swanson.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Hastings, 3rd May, 1900. Greatly in favour of contributions to be forwarded to Canada. Mishap has caused much sympathy amongst us all. H. Tomoana.

Right Hon. Seddon. Temuka, 2nd May, 1900. Anything you do re Canada will not be objected to by me. J. M. Twomey.

The Right Hon. the Premier. Geraldine, sth May, 1900. I think it would be a proper and graceful act to send Government aid to Ottawa. L. Walker.

The Right Hon. the Premier. Ohaeawai, 4th May, 1900. In reply your telegram, I think the Government, for and on behalf of the people of this colony, should extend practical sympathy by sending contributions re conflagration in Canada. H. Williams. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,375 copies, £4 9s.

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