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The Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Dunedin, 7th May, 1900. Indian famine : Yes ; if State contributions to be made for anything, it should be for that. A. R. Baeclay.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Eae's Junction, Bth May, 1900. I approve of assistance being given to the famine-stricken people in India, and consider the case urgent. Jambs Bennet.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Avondale, 12th May, 1900. Be contributions to the Indian Famine Belief Fund : I am in favour of Government sending reasonable contributions in suitable breadstuff from the colony, if arrangements for conveyance can be made. J. Bollard.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Eangiora, 7th May, 1900. Favour a contribution being sent to famine-stricken in India. The people of New Zealand have plenty, and the heart to send assistance. D. Buddo, Fernside.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Mosgiel, 7th May, 1900. Sorry I was away when your wire arrived. lam heartily in favour of sending a contribution from the consolidated revenue in aid of the Indian Famine Belief Fund. W. Carncross.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Christchurch, 7th May, 1900. Proposal to send relief to sufferers in India by famine has my heartiest support. * W. W. Collins.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Westport, sth May, 1900. My views as expressed to you in regard to assistance being given to sufferers in Canada are exactly m accord with the requirements of our Indian subjects. As before intimated, I say that assistance should be given by the Government, when in a position to do so, to any one or more parts of our Empire when necessity requires it.. Jas. Colvin.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Gore, 7th May, 1900. Under existing circumstances, having given to Canada you should give to India; the voluntary contributions being large, the whole colony should now stand in for this. Duncan.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Christchurch, 7th May, 1900. I am in hearty accord with the proposal of the Government, acting on the suggestion of several honourable members, to grant aid from the Consolidated Fund to the sufferers by famine in India. By this plan we give relief as a people to suffering fellow-bemgs, and we shall be the better as a people for the act. H. G. Ell.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Wellington, 9th May, 1900. - I heartily approve Government's proposal to grant substantial contribution from public purse to alleviate sufferings from famine in India. W. H. Field.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Greymouth, Bth May, 1900. Re 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.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Woodbury, 7th May, 1900. Your memorandum did not reach me in time to reply last Saturday. You will have ascertained my views on the famine question by my wire, which must have crossed yours. The reason I suggested sending produce was that I believe the fat man in India profits as much by the colony sending cash as the poor famine-stricken people. Doubtless scores are large holders of food-supplies in India to-day, with a view to making a profit at the expense of the starving population. However, you have my support in sending relief in any form you think best. F. E. Flatman.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 7th May, 1900. Eeplyinq to the Premier's telegram re Indian Famine Fund, I think we are just as fully justified in contributing as to the Ottawa fire, and will support. Gbo. Fowlds.

The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Hastings, 6th May, 1900. He famine subscription : As a general principle, there is no better method of giving colonial financial assistance to any deserving cause than by the Government drawing from the consolidated funds ; it is then strictly for and on behalf of the people, as every one in proportion to his means subscribes. In the present instance, however, speaking for Hawke's Bay, the Government is a little late, as this district has already subscribed most liberally (two subscriptions alone, that of Archdeacon Williams and Mr. Douglas McLean, totalling four hundred pounds), and more will be forthcoming. Nevertheless, I cannot help thinking that, with such an unprecedented and superfluous surplus for the year in hand, general approval would be given should the Government reduce that surplus by assisting the distressed of India, Alfred L. D, Frasek.