QUEEN BEE RELIEF COMMITTEE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 230, 28 September 1877, Page 2

QUEEN BEE RELIEF COMMITTEE.

A meetiug of the General Committee was held yesterday, his Lordship the Bishop of Nelson in the chair. The sub-committee appointed to distribute the amount voted by the general committea reported that they had forwarded cheques for the respective amounts voted to each of ' the passengers; that all the passengers expressed their sincere thanks to the committee and the people of Nelson for the kindness and sympathy shown to them ; that some few had declined to accept pecuniary assistance, and that cheques to the amount of £135. had therefore been returned. The hon. Secretary reported the subscription lists closed and that the total collections amounted to £668 14s Bd, including £244 3s 6d received from Wellington. The expenditure to date amounted to £493 9s lOd leaving a balance in hand of £175 4s 10d. Several special votes recommended by the sub-committee were then agreed to, and a warm discussion took place on "the proposal made by one of the committee to give the captain £35. Some thought it too much, and others thought he was not entitled to any consideration at all, having caused all the trouble. Amendments were proposed to reduce the amount, and one member proposed to give the whole of the balance to the captain, but this last proposal was not seconded. Ultimately, and after a long discussion, £35 was carried, when the following protest was laid before the committee:— "The undersigued are of opinion that it would not be the desire of the larger portion of the subscribers than any grant should be made to the captain, and therefore protest against the grant being made.— signed "A. B.Nelson, " A. S. Atkinson, "H.E.Curtis, " James Leighton, " J. R. Dodson, "John Oldham." It was then resolved that after the payment of the special grants and all expenses, the balance should be distributed among 8 passengers. Among the special votes referred to were the foliowingitems:— Naval Brigade (already advanced), £20; third mate (additional) £15; Maoris (expenses), £10; Mrs Gibbs (amount kiudly contributed to the fund but not required), £10. The Rev. J. Beckenham and Mr J. R. Hooper were appointed auditors. Votes of thanks were unanimously accorded to his Lordship the Bishop (chairman), Mr M'Donald, hon. Treasurer, and Mr Greenfield, hon. Secretary.