SYMPATHY WITH THE FRENCH.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 392, 13 April 1871, Page 2

SYMPATHY WITH THE FRENCH.

A MEETING was held last evening in the large hall of the Mc- hanics' Instituo, for the purpose of raising a fund in aid of the suffering French. The meeting had been called by tho Superintendent in compliance with a requisition forwarded by several citizens. Mr. Rees announced that there was some doubt as to the probability of His Honor being able to attend. It was nearly eight o'clock before tho proceedings commenced. A letter of apology was received from Captaiu Daldy. Ou the motion of Mr. Recs, P. A. Philips, Chairman of the City Board of Commissioners, was called to the chair.

The Chairman in his address explained the object of the meeting, and expressed the hope that the sympathy of the public would bo manifested in a substantial manner. It was not necessary to recapitulate the details, which had been published in the Press. He could only inform tlie meeting —as he had been wholiy unprepared to preside at such a meeting—that he sympathised heartily with the object of the meeting. Mr. J. L. Rkes, in proposing the first resolution, regretted that the meeting was not more numerously attended, and that so few who had signed tho requisition were present. Only one (Captain Daldy), had condescended to explain their absence by letter. He could give no idea of tho suffering that had beeu endured by ■ tho French people. It was .an occasion when it would be proper to expatiate upon the origin of the war or the motives of those engaged in it. The fact was that a vast tract of country was devastated ; whole populations bad been reduced to a condition of actual starvation. Ho knew there were many estimable people who said that they should think of the poor " whom they had always with them." But ho did not think that the fund for a purpose such as the present would diminish by one farthing the fund for the local poor. He would not detain the meeting, but move, "That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is advisable that subscriptions bo raised in aid of the French people." He observed iv the meeting Mr. Julius Wilson, who had commenced, with oue or two other gentlemen, a subscription, and had some £50 in hand. That gentleman had expressed Ins willingness to hand over that, sum, to be forwarded' to some recognised body in England. Mr. J. M. Daiigaville seconded the resolution. Ho thought His Honor might have felt it not beneath him to have presided at the meeting. He also regretted that those who signed the requisition were not present in greater number. He thought such remissness was a sample of the policy which led to such frightful results. England might have to pay clearly for it some day, and Auckland would possibly come, iv for a share of the thrashing. —The resolution was" carried unanimously. Mr. Julius Wilson explained that he had commenced a subscription list conjointly with Dr. Trosscau and other gentlemen. He believed there were many gentlemen iii the North who would assist.. He.would be willing to hand over the money in hand t& a committee when it should bci appointed. -JlThe Chairman read, a letter frptn.Mr. B:. N. Joues, offering the Prince of "Wales Theatre and tho services of his company in aid of the fund.

Mr. J. Cosghave proposed, and Dr. Kenderdine seconded, the following resolution, which was carried unanimously :—" That a committee, be formed for the purpose of collecting subscriptions in Auckland,! and generally to further the objects of the meeting, namely, to obtain money to relieve the suffering people of France, such committee to consist of the iniifistera of tho various churches in Auckland, the Superintendent and members of the Provincial Executive; Messrs. P. A. Philips, J. M. Dargaville, W. 0. Daldy, J. Wilson, A, Vileoq, Caller, Bees, J. Cosgrave, Direy, and Dr. Kenderdine, with power to add to their number."

A meeting of the committee will be held this evening. The usual vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and the meeting separated. |