IRISH DISTRESS COMMITTEE

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1851, 28 January 1880, Page 3

IRISH DISTRESS COMMITTEE

An adjourned meeting of the Irish distress relief committee was held at the City Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. Present — His Worship the Mayor (chairman), Father Giuaty, Messrs Cherrill, Hulbert, O’Oallaghan, W. D unford, King, Hobday, Hebden, McDougall, Briggs, and others. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Mr Mitchell, acting as secretary, and confirmed. Before proceeding to the business, the Chairman apologised for the absence of Cr. Lambert, who was detained on business. He also said he had been authorised to propose Mr A. Thompson and Mr Booth as members of the committee. The gentlemen named by the Mayor, as well as the following, were elected on the committee • —Messrs Mosley, Hughes, M. O’Malley, Mulligan, White, Perceval, Loughnan, W. Dunford, J. Strange, Hobday, J. O’Neil. The Mayor stated that twenty-six clergymen bad been written to on the subject of collections, but ha had not yet received any reply. Mr Hulbert stated that the Rev. Mr Watson had told him the offertory of St. John’s Church ext Sunday would devoted to the Irish distress relief fund. A letter was read from Mr Hoskins, stating that the Theatre Royal would be available on either the 9th, 10th, or 11th of February, and that he and Mias Colville would give their services, the net proceeds of the entertainment to go to the fund. After some little discussion Mr O’Oallaghan moved—“ That the thanks of the committee be given to Mr Hoskins for his offer.” Mr Briggs suggested the advisability of ascertaining what the expenses of the entertainment would be likely to be, such as the rent of the theatre, services of the orchestra, &e.

Mr Beatty stated the rent of the theatre was £2O. In answer to a question from a member of the committee, Mr Beatty said he should be happy to give the use of the theatre gratis if the proceeds of the entertainment were to be devoted to the fund on that particular occasion. Mr Hulbert pointed out that it might be as well to remember, before proceeding further, that another benefit with this special object was contemplated by the opera company, and had been announced. The question was, whether it would be well to give another entertainment immediately afterwards.

Mr Pratt thought a profit might be derived from both entertainments it the committee could see its way to patronise both. Mr Hulbert mentioned that ho knew of a third entertainment of a monster nature—an amateur concert on a large scale, which it was proposed to carry out for the benefit of the fund.

Mr Hebden suggested that it might be quite possible to make the three performances a success if the dates were well chosen. The motion “That Mr Hoskins’ offer be accepted with thanks” was then put to the meeting and carried. Some conversation taking place about the Opera Company’s entertainment, Mr Musgrove, manager of Lyster’s Opera Company, took the opportunity of explaining the position. Professor Hughes having said it was desired to get up an entertainment for the benefltof the fund, he (Mr Musgrove) stated the terms upon which the company could undertake it. At this time he was under the impression that Professor Hughes was representing the committee, although he did not say so. He therefore showed him the pay-sheet, and stated that after bare expenses the proceeds should go to the fund. Mr Lystor being himself an Irishman, would, he knew, approve of the movement. The com- ' pany could make nothing out of it, and he was prepared, if need be, to make a statutory declaration that the sum he mentioned to Mr Hughes represented the expenses pure and simple. Ho might say that the Italian members of the company had consented to depart from the terms of their engagement on the occasion, to meet a suggestion which had been made that the “ Lily of Killarney” should be produced as an appropriate piece, and the house would hold £l5O over and above expenses. Mr Briggs thought it only fair that Mr Musgrove should bo acquainted with the statement made to the committee at its last meeting, namely, that after deducting £6O for expenses, the Opera Company would give half the remainder of the proceeds to the fund, so that he might have an opportunity of confirming it or otherwise.

Mr Musgrove said there was only one proposition made, and that he made himself, namely, that a sum of money barely sufficient to pay the night’s expenses would be deducted, after which all would bo given to the fund. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Musgrovo for his offer, and it was resolved that the committee should exert themselves to promote the success of the entertainment. At this stage the Eev. Father GHnaty stated that he had, in accordance with a request made at last meeting, seen Professor Hughes, who expressed himself willing to act in this matter under the auspices of the committee, Mr Briggs then drew attention to the question of holding a fete similar to that carried out for tbe Kaitangata relief. Some discussion followed, all those present being confident that such a movement was likely to bo a success. _ . _

Mr Briggs said he had, in company with Mr Hulbert, waited upon Mr J. E. Brown to ask that gentleman if, in the event of a fete being got up at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s Show Q-round, the Tramway Company would assist by giving a portion of the tramway receipts for that day to the fund. They received an answer to the effect that the directors had decided that they would divide the net proceeds, and give half to the fund; the expenses for the day would not be above £5. After some further discussion, a sub-com-mittee was appointed to confer as to the desirability of holding the fete and what form it should take, the committee to report to next meeting. Mr O’Oallaghan stated what he had been able to do in reference to the contributions of grain. He had already got a large quantity of corn, and had received several offers of accommodation as to storage. He had also been asked to hold meetings re the Irish distress in Amberley, Bangiora, &?. While on the subject, he pointed out the advantages accruing from this mode of distributing charity over that of mere money gifts, which very often diminished in passing to the objects of charity. The committee decided to authorise Mr O’Callaghan to incur what expenses were necessary in carrying out his self-imposed duty. A committee was appointed to confer with Mr Hoskins as to getting up the dramatic entertainment, and several other matters of detail were entered into, including a proposition by Mr Cherrill that some sort of performance should be established to attract the children, who would be the means of bringing their parents or guardians. The Mayor stated that he was informed by Father Ginaty that the Catholic congregation in Christchurch had subscribed £2OO, an exceedingly handsome sum, considering their number. The committee then adjourned till Friday.