CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11482, 15 January 1903, Page 6

CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The Charitable Aid Board met yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs J. T. Smith (cliairman), J. Wallace, S. Harris, E. FeHwick, J. Wolf, C. J. Harper, B. P. Manhire, J. Pearce.

The Chairman stated that the outdoor relief work was most arduous, and hardly a day passed without some special cases which required close consideration. One could 'hardly believe that under our ■existing circumstances as a community there should be such constant claims on ■charity. Only those intimately acquainted with the inner workings of the Board were aware of the painful and serious aspect of the character of the people and the aspects ot the work the Board had to deal with. Mr C. J. Harper said that the water question at Ashburton had been settled at last. They had deepened and bricked the .well to a depth of <«>me 40 feet, and the supply since Christmas had, been ample. The Committee would meet there in a fortnight and would ba enabled to see for themselves wTiat had been done. Thing.«i were progressing very satisfactorily, end he (tlie speaker) had given the doctor a fortnight's holiday, his place in the meantime being taken by another man. The Institutions Committee reported that in accordance with the Board's request, an opinion had been obtained from Mr Lane as to the responsibility for damage that might uri.se from the condition of the boundary cliff at the Lyttelton Orphanage. Th* advice- waa to came to an amicable arrangement, if possible, with the Borough Council to share the expense of a iietaining wall. The question as to the actual liability of either party appeared to be somewhat complicated, the circumstances being peculiar. The contract for painting, etc., ait the iFemale Refuge had been satisfactorily executed by Mr G. *v. Ailan. The report was adopted. The Chairman moved that this Institutions Committee be authorised to interview the Lyttelton Borough Council with a view to sharing the cost of the protective wall at the Orphanage, with power to act. Mr C. J. Harper seconded the motion. On the motion of Mr Pearoe the Board went into Committee for the purpose of hearing the solicitor's report read. On resuming the treasurer's report was received. On the motion of Mr C. J. Harper, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Marks' Trustees, —r (I. A. M. Buckky, and others, who had assisted tihs inmatee at the Christmas celeTn-aticms.

The statement of expenditure, amounting to £1281 8s 4d, was placed before the Board, and the meeting terminated.