DISTRESSED FISHERMEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1029, 21 July 1930, Page 1

DISTRESSED FISHERMEN

WHY RELIEF WAS REFUSED WAIHI BOARD EXPLAINS From Our Own Correspondent WAIHI, Saturdaj”. Explanation of the attitude of the Waihi Hospital Board in refusing relief to two fishermen when they lost their belongings when the launch on which they were employed was wrecked at tho Waihi Beach recently, has been given by the chairman of the board, the Rev. J. I>. McFarlane. The action of the board in refusing relief •was the subject of what amounted to a motion of censure at the last monthly meeting of the Waihi Borough Council, representatives of which made representations on behalf of the men. Mr. McFarlane said that as he had arranged to go to Auckland he instructed the secretary of the board to make inquiries and it was ascertained that approximately £ls would be required! The secretary then got into touch with as many members of the board as possible, with a view to meeting the needs of the case, but the members interviewed did not consider, in view of the financial position, that they were justified in giving any assistance, as the funds were fully taxed for the women and children and sick folk of Waihi. At the shortest possible notice a meeting of the board had been called and after careful consideration it had been decided to adhere to the original decision. There had been no lack of sympathy and most of the members of the board subscribed personally to the list drawn up by the Mayor.