7

H.—l4a

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.