FRIENDS IN NEED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 55, 24 February 1908, Page 2

FRIENDS IN NEED.

The Government; we are glad lo notice, have been quick to act in regard 'o affording relief lo those of our scll.ers who during the past lew weeks have had the mistortuue to sutler more or less seriously by the ravaging bush lires. As may be noticed iu our telegrams this illuming, the Premier notifies thai the . toveinnieut will supply grass seed to ill who have sutl'ered, on applical'on being made to them, at cost juice an I free of interest for a period up to four years. Where fanners are absolutely ruined, the Government will .uppl\ the ,-eed free of cost. In addition, instructions have been given to the Railway Department to carry all Material, whether for building purposes or lor fencing, free of cost. Also, wherever Croun lands are available and are not nmU-r lease to tenants, those sullerbg wiil be allowed to turn their stock upo-i the laud free of charge. Olliceis of th" bands Department are to supply repor.s of loss in each case to the Minister of LaluN, and the (fovernment piomi-cs lo lose no time in giving the unfortunate settlers the above-mentioned practical help Mp that they stand so much in need of at the present time. So one with a knowledge of the calamitous nature of the po-ition into which so many settlers in different parts of the Dominion have been precipitated will begrudge Hie help proll'ered or find fault with the Oovernnient for extending it: indeed, even if the Government proposed lo go furl her than is suggested, where ciriuni-taiKcs warrant, the genera] pub- ! lie wou'd be ready and glad to support them. The Premier and his colloaguc.ii'e lo be congratulated upon the war in wliieli ih'.y have met tln- eases ~:' th',, hiiriil-diti. ...tilers, and. more purii-.t-bnly. for dealing with the mailer ..■ expeditiously „. th,.y have done.