FLOOD RELIEF

Evening Star, Issue 20135, 27 March 1929, Page 2

FLOOD RELIEF

HANDSBME OFFER OF SAVINGS BANK LEGAL HINDRANCE WILL BE REMOVED The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) was met this morning by representatives of the trustees of the Dunedin Savings Bank, who pointed out to him that, though they were desirous of making a donation to the flood relief funds, they'were not legally able to do so. The deputation comprised Messrs G. L. Deuniston, A. E. Rosevear, J. H. F. Hamel, and J. Quaile. The calamity of the flood, the Prime Minister was told, had left people homeless, but the people of Dunedin were subscribing handsomely towards the relief fund. With the idea of doing something, the trustees of the bank met yesterday, but they had found that the legal position made it impossible for them to do so. The position was that the scope of their benefactions _ was confined to charitable and educational institutions. It was proposed, however, to make a grant of £‘soo if the Government could provide the means of legalising the action either by an Order in Council or by an Act of Parliament. ® Sir Joseph Ward replied that he would have no hesitation in acceding to the wishes of the deputation, so (hat Ihe grant could be made towards assisting 'the sufferers through the flood. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE A meeting of the executive of the Belief Committee was held this morning, the' deputy-mayor (Mr J. S. Douglas) presiding. Mr Mitchell reported that subscription lists were being printed free of charge, and they would be sent to the various factories and warehouses next week - . Mr Douglas reported that the fund now totalled £6,1U6 Ids 9d. Authority was given for the purchase of fifty additional pairs of blankets and mattresses’, Jt was stated that the firms were selling these at wholesale cost. Jt was reported that arrangements had been made for women to clean out houses where the inmates were incapable of working, the work to be done on the recommendation of the area officers. A house shortage was reported, following on the condemning of a number of houses in the flood area. 'The committee decided to ask the owner of vacant houses and flats to communicate with the relief depot. Mrs Baker said the need for motor transport was holding up the work of distribution, and the committee decided to appeal to motor car owners for assistance. Authority was given for the purchase of ten tons of coal. It was announced that the depot would be dosed on Friday, hut would he reopened on Saturday.