The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1886.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 52, 4 May 1866, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1886.

We are indebted to Mr. Hunter Brown, the Honorary Secretary to the Nelson Committee for the Patriotic Fuud, for the substance ofa letter just received by him from his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston e, the Honorary Secretary to the Wellington Committee. It was written in answer to a letter of enquiry addressed to him by the Nelson Committee whose members frequently found themselves unable, for Jack of information to answer the questions so often put to them concerning the objects, recipients, and mode of distribution of the fund. His Honor speaks thus of the immediate origin of the movement. At an entertainment given by the Governor to General Chute, at which a large body of the inhabitants of Wellington were present; Sir George Grey adverting to the services of the army, navy, and colonial forces in the recent wars of New Zealand, alluded to the fact that there had been no acknowledgement of any kind made by the people of New Zealand of the services of those who had fallen or been injured by the campaigu ; aud the manner in which that fact was received by the company suggested to several persons present the propriety of taking some steps in the matter. His Honor further remarks, it was understood by all taking part in the movement here that it would be premature and improper for a provisional committee to decide upon the specific objects to which the fund raised should be devoted, or the particular mode of administration, with respect to Avhich the opinion of each province was desired; and for carrying out the common objects the provincial committees were requested to nominate members for a central committee. But it is the opinion of the majority if not the whole of the provisional committee that it is undesirable that the Fund, even if very considerable, should be invested as a pension fund, but that gifts should be given to the widows and orphans of those who fell, according to their proportionate need aud condition of life, &c; that permanently disabled persons should also have sums awarded to them, for such purposes as may, under the particular circumstances, he most beneficial ; aud that if the Fund should be large enough, some simple memorial, such as a medal engraved with the names of the relative who had fallen, should be presented to their surviving relatives. All the details, however, as to administration were left open, on the ground that the originators of the movement there would not wish even to appear to judge for the colony in general in respect of the general distribution of the Fund, Much must, of course, depend upon the extent of the Fuud raised. It is hoped this courteous deference to the wishes of all contributors may suffice to disperse the hesitation of any who may have hitherto delayed giving from uncertainty as to the exact destination and mode of distribution of the Fund.