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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.