South Canterbury Times. THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1882.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2854, 18 May 1882, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1882.

There appears every probability of a large amount being collected for the benefit of those who have lost their means of support by the recent disasters. Before anything in the shape of an appeal was made, subscriptions have begun to. pour in from all quarters.. . .The sympathy and benevolence of the entire colony have been stirred into activity, and have produced the most cheering manifestations. There will doubtless be some surplus after all has been done for the sufferers which could be thought desirable ; and this, as Mr Moody very sensibly suggested at last meeting of the Harbor Board, should be invested as the nucleus of a relief fund, wherewith to provide for future contingencies. We can scarcefy expect (although we hope anything so lamentible as what has-just occurred will never again have to be recorded in the annals of the port) to escape occasional calamity, and it is as well to have something put by for the “ rainy day” of adversity. At present, however, the subscription is not organised. People are giving liberally in every direction, but as yet no arrangements have been made for the,organisation of a relief fund, no trust or Committee has been appointed. This,' we trust, will be the first business taken by the meeting to-morrow evening. Before the discussion on “ matters connected with the port,” which we expect will be a very animated one, should certainly come the Relief Fund question, and we trust, indeed we have no doubt whatever, that there will be appointed a Committee of gentlemen in whom the public throughout the colony have full confidence.