OFFER OF HELP

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1926, Page 3

OFFER OF HELP

MESSAGE FROM NEW ZEALAND

GISBORNE, Feh. 17. In eonneetion with the bush fires in Australia, the Prime Minister has forwarded the following cablegram to the Acting-Prime Minister, Melbourne, on beliali of the Government and people of New Zealand:—

f desire tn express our sincere sympathy in the loss of life through the ravages of the bush fires which have inflicted such serious devastation to

Victoria. Ibis Dominion will he glad to have the opportunity to render relief. If this is acceptable to your Government, kindly let me know. The following reply was received tonight through the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. J. Allan, who is at.present in New Zealand on holidays: —

Prime Minister, AVellington—Murli touched by your telegram of the lfith convoying sympathy with the sufferers in the recent bush fires. The fires are well under control, and further danger averted. Unfortunately the forests in portions of Gippsland are burnt, and a number of homes destroyed. I much regret also that the disaster has been attended by loss of life. The Government and people are co-operating to afford relief to

ihe sull'erers. \letoria appreciates New Zealand’s splendid spirit, and is very grateful for the Government’s ready otter, hut having regard to the line public response already made, and further appeals being launched ami relief funds established throughout the State, f consider action by your Government unnecessary at

present. AA’ell knowing, however, the feelings of your citizens towards our brave settlers and workers, and also their dependents, and remembering (that the feeling of our people would be bad a similar disaster overtaken your Dominion, we would not like lo discourage residents in your Dominion desiring to contribute. Your message breathes Ike t rue Anzar- soiril.

PEHI'OCK. Premier. Melbourne.