The Recent Wairarapa Disaster.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 114, 8 November 1894, Page 2

The Recent Wairarapa Disaster.

PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting, convened by His Worship the Major, Mr W. Cartbew, to consider the best means of raising funds to relieve the sufferers by the wreck of the s.s. Wairarapa, was hold in the Assembly Rooms last evening, and was attended by about fifty persons. Among those present were—The Mayor (Mr Caxtfaew) in tho chair, and Messrs J. J, Bagnall, L. E. Reade, W. A. Saudilands, F. Y. Lethbridge, J. Day, T. Watson, A. R. Curtis, H. W. Davy, E. Mills, J. Darragb, C. Wickhaui, W. Downey, P. Thomson, J. Belfit (senr.), G. Saywell, D. P. Buchanan, Dr Johnston, J. Belfit (junr.), A. F. Halcombe, E. J. Kelieher, A. C. Matheson, and D. Younger. One of the survivors from the wreck, Mr Langloy, who is on a visit to some friends in Feilding, was also presont. His Worship tho Mayor occupied the chair, and in opening the proceedings said that he had received a telegram from Mr Brandon, Mayor of Wellington, asking what steps were being taken in Feilding with a view to relieving the distress caused by the wreck of the Wairarapa, and after consulting with councillors he had called this meeting. He thought that sympathy was extended to the sufferers from all parts of the colony. It was the greatest disaster he had heard of since ho came to New Zealaud thirty-two years ago. It was unnecessary for him to recapitulate the distress which had been caused, as they had all read of the disaster in the papers, and it was for those present to say what form the assistance should take. In concluding, he read apologies for their non-attendance from Messrs G. Kirton. E. A. Allen, and W. A. L. Bailey. Mr F. Y. Lethbridge thought it best to raise funds by subscription. There would bo a number of widows and children who have been left destitnte. Ho proposed, " That a fund be raised by public subscription for the purpose of relieving, as far as possible, the distress consequent upon the recent disastrous accident to the s.s. Wairarapa, to bo called ' The s.s. Wairarapa Bolief Fund.' " In seconding the motion, Mr W. A. Saudilands thought it advisable to appoint all those present a committee to arrange a systematic canvass. The motion on being put to the meet, ing was carried. Mr Carthew referred to an article in the New Zealand Times suggesting that ifmoro money is subscribed than required the surplus should be used as a nucleus for a Marine Fund. Mr Sandilands proposed, That all the gentlemen present who are willing to. act be a committee to canvass the town for subscriptions, In seconding the motion Mr J. J, Bag» nail was sure all those present sympathised with the sufferers and would be willing to assist in canvassing. Dr Johnston could not support the motion and would propose, as au amendment, That subscription lists be left at all the business places in the town and that everyone should use his best endeavours to maka the fund a substantial sum. Also, That Messrs.W. Carthew Sandilauds and A. F. Halcombe, be a committee to receive the subscription lists to be in by November 30th, from various canvassers. Mr P. Thomson seconded the amend-, ment. Mr Halcombe was in favor of & large committee as it seemed to him to be a matter where a little personal inconvenience should not be considered. He was quite sure ample funds would bo forthcoming and all would contribute as much as they possibly could. The heroic sceneß which occurred at the accident should be an example to them all. On being put to the meeting the. amendment was carried and became the substantive motion to which an amendment was moved by Mr Sandilands, That the following gentlemen's names be added : —Messrs J. J. Bagnall, F. Y. Lethbridge, P. Thomson, J. Darraah, W, A. L. Bailey, E, Mills, A. C. Matheson, E. J. Kelieher, D. Younger, J. Day, J. H. Stevens, D. P. Buchanan, and E, Goodbehere. Seconded by Mr Lethbridge. Dr Johnston thought his proposition must be misunderstood.. His idea was that lists should bo placed in all the business places in the town and country, in the hands of responsible persons, and the three gentlemen ho had named would merely be a receiving committee. The amendment was carried. The Chairman stated that a gentleman had offered to give a lecture in aid of the funds. After the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman tho meeting dispersed. A subscription list was opened, and the sum of £14 8s 6d subscribed in the [room. At the conclusion of the above meet, ing the Committee luet and, appointed Mr Carthew chajrmau, and Mr Matbe* son secretary, ft wa.s rosolved that one ! hundred subscription lists bo circulated in the town and country dißtriots. Lists Avill be sent to the following gentlemen : — li, Liuton and J. Purkiss, Halcombe ; G, Wheeler, Stauway ; J. J. Williamson and Kausou and Son, Waituna ; J. Bruce, T. Ryan, aud — Niccolls, Chel. ten ham ; D. Downes, Kimbolton road; Bramwell Bros., — Tobeck, C. A. W. Hunt, Colyton ; T. Lowes and A. Dick, Birmingham; J. D. McGregor and J. Stent, Peinborton ; J. Aitken, Ashurst ; — Palmer, Pohaucina; F. S. Guy and E. Nix, Apifci ; —-Brown, B. Tremewan, J. Dixou, Bununythorpe ; J. Bartholomew, Kiwitea ; W. W. Corpe and W, Darragh, Campbelltowu, ; Tarrant,' Awahuri ; D. U. Buchanan, Bcaconsfield ; J. Pollock, Wanganui Harbor Block; The Cominitteo meeting then adjourned.