PUBLIC MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1284, 13 August 1914, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING.

The' public meeting convened by the Mayor to discuss Lady Liverpool's appeal to the women of New Zealand, to provide clothing and comforts for the members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and to consider the advisability of establishing a fund for the purpose oi relieving necessitous local cases that may arise as a result of the stoppage of industries through the European war, was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday night. There was au attendance of about forty, ladies being in the majority. The Mayor in opening briefly explained the purpose of the meeting, which were firstly to discuss the appeal made by Lady Liverpool, and secondly to discuss what measures should be tntrpn in the matter of helping nu—-j..oiis cases that might arise in Foxton and district during the crisis. Personally he considered the latter question was of the most importance and should receive careful consideration.

Mr W. Ross considered that a ladies committee should be set up to undertake the work of providing comforts etc., as suggested by Lady Liverpool. Mr Kelly was of opinion that their first care should be the welfare of the people of Foxton and district. Necessitous cases here should receive first consideration. Of course if both schemes could be undertaken well and good, Mrs Kerr-Hislop said the ladies were willing and anxious to make garments for the members of the Expeditionary Force and she thought both schemes could be taken up. It was decided on the motion of Mr W. Ross, seconded by Mr Chrystall, that a committee of ladies be appointed to assist as suggested by Lady Liverpool. The committee to consist of all ladies present with power to add.

Mr Stiles then moved and Mr J. Ross seconded, that a committee be formed whereby a lund may be raised for the purpose of assisting cases of need that may arise in the district.

Mr W. Ross said he didn’t know whether it would be wise to form such a committee at present. It was possible that conditions would remain normal and in that case a fund would not be required. Mr Whibley said there were cases of distress in our midst at present and he considered the time was opportune to act. There were some very distressing cases in Foxton at present. Mr Ross said he thought the previous speaker was making it appear blacker than it really was. He had not heard of any cases of real distress.

Mr Kelly said he could endorse what Mr Whibley had said. There was some very distressing cases indeed in Foxlon —two in particular.

The motion was carried, and the following committee set up ; —Mescames Phillips, Mandl, C,, J. H. and F. Robinson, Harvey, Hislop, Easton, A. Ross, Parkes, Woods, King, Guilder, Baker, Kent-Johnston, J. Ross, and Miss Ross, and Messrs Phillips, Stiles, J. Ross, Chrystall, Kent-Johnston, Kelly and W. Ross. Mr Stiles was appointed chairman, Mr Kent-Johnston secretary, and Mr Symes treasurer. Mr W. Ross suggested that a picture entertainment should be held, the proceeds from same to torm the nucleus of the fund, and asked Mr Stiles if the Council would give an entertainment lor this purpose, the whole of the proceeds to go to the fund. The Mayor did not think there would be any trouble about it. He would certainly favour it. The meeting then rose. A meeting ot the committee was held after the public meeting, when it was decided to draw up lists, and Mesdames Woods, Mandl, Hislop, and C. Robinson were appointed to canvass for subscriptions.

Miss Ross was appointed convener of the ladies' committee, and the first meeting is being held this afternoon.