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Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2578, 28 September 1915, Page 2

NO. 2 HOSPITAL SHIP

MAYOR'S APPEAL FOR- £3000. An urgent appeal is made by t'he Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) for £3000 to assist in the equipment of the' Marama, Now Zealand's second Hospital Ship. The money is required apart from the actual fitting up, which is being undertaken by the Government, and apart also from tlie gifts which are coming'to hand; splendidly. Mr. Luke states that just prior to going to Napier last week lie, together -with the Mayors of the other three cities, heldl a conference at Government House, when the position -was made plain by His Excellency the Governor. . The. proposal 'to send another ship, which had been approved by the Government, was endorsed, and the Mayors readily recommend it to the public for support.. It was reported that money in excess of that required had been subscribed for the Maheno, and a portion had been spent in equipping a stationary hospital for Now Zealanders.near London. ' Tliis action was also approved. There was still some money remaining, which would be devoted to tho Marama, but another £12,000 was required. After some discussion it was decided that the four centres should agree to raise the money in the followiiig proportions Auckland, £4000; Wellington, £3000: Canterbury, £2500; Otago, £2500. >, , . ' 'Wellington" includes the Wellington military, district, taking in.Hawke's Bay and Taranaki, so it is not anticipated that any difficulty will be experienced iii raising the £3000. His Worship' explained that tho reason Auckland is asked to contribute more than Wellington is \that Wellington .gave morb than her share for the Hospital Ship Maheno, and by agreement between tho Mayors, an adjustment is being made in the present instance Mr. Luke states that lie has money in-, hand for;various purposes, but as tho purpose in cach'.case is l so specifically stated, lie does'not' feel justified in making any. contribution to the Hospital Ship Fund. : Hence- tlie appeal. At. ilio same time, Mr. Luke takes tlie opportunity of thanking ihe public for their handsome' donations for. various object's. . -