Relieving Distress.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 3, 18 September 1914, Page 3

Relieving Distress.

Nearly 100 Orphans. CASE OF RECENT ARRIVALS. A meeting in connection with the relief fund was held on Wednesday evening, Mr J. P. Bailey presiding over a large attendance, which included Mr R. F. Bollard, M.P. The chairman intimated that the sub-committee had dealt with one case in which immediate assistance was desired, and had also sent Home two cables on behalf of bereaved widows. Mr F. Harris intimated that since the subscription list had been opened on Monday £IOO had been subscribed locally. The appeal for funds to be circulated all over the Domion was approved as read. It was pointed out that the widows and children of victims of the disaster who were recent arrivals in the Dominion would not be eligible for the pensions granted to those born in New Zealand, and the following resolution was unanimously adopted and entrusted to Mr Bollard, M.P,, for presentation to the proper Authorities : “ That the law be altered so that the widows and children of those dependent on men who have lost their lives through an accident that has occurred in this country shall derive the same benefits in the way of pensions as those who were born or are living in the Dominion." Mr Bollard agreed that such alteration would make for equity. It is anticipated that such alteration will affect at least four widows on whom no fewer than 14 children depend. The meeting decided to obtain legal opion, so that any surplus after the objects of the relief fund have been subserved might be available for those depending for support on victims of any similar catastrophe. This matter was left in the hands of ihe chairman and Mr Bollard, M. P. It was decided to hold a united open-air service on Sunday next. On the motion of Mr L. B. Harris, junr., it was resolved that, with the consent of the donors, the horses, stock, and poultry promised to the Patriotic Fund be sold at auction on behalf of the relief fu.nd on Saturday, 26 inst. It is stated that the married men killed leave nearly 100 children.