THE IRISH RELIEF.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 56, 3 February 1880, Page 2

THE IRISH RELIEF.

TO THE EdITOK.

Sir, —The interest you have taken in the Irish distress entitles you to the thanks of all humane men in our district. Your correspondent, “ True Sympathy,” seems to feel much more interest in the matter than his Worship the Mayor and our leading citizens. Two meetings have been called at 3 p.m.—a time very few could possibly attend them ; and then bis Worship seemed incapable of doing more than sneer at Mr. Ivess—the only gentleman who really seemed in earnest, and certainly the only one who “ put his shoulder to tho wheel.” If his Worship really wanted to make the effort to raise funds for this very praiseworthy object a failure, his measures could not be better taken to attain his object. It is a pity that his Worship should, on such an occasion, abdicate his functions as our Chief Magistrate. Many think, and with a very good show of reason, that the geographical position of the distress has a good deal to do with our “ leading citizens’ ” reluctance to call a public meeting. They did not hesitate in any other part of the colony ; and lam much mistaken, whatever his Worship and the leading citizens may do, if the people of Ashburton do not find means to express their sympathy with their suffering fellow men. Speaking for myself, I will sag Ido not care where a man may have be® Jaorn—. if he is hungry I will share my loal : - witn . him whether he be Jew or Gentile. If the Mayor will not call a public meeting, would it not be well for One or two other gentlemen to do so, and not allow our town and district to be disgraced ? By inserting this you will very much oblige Humanitv, Ashburton, January 30, 1880.