MEN FROM THE MACQUARIES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 100, 5 August 1910, Page 5

MEN FROM THE MACQUARIES

THEIR FINANCIAL CONDITION. By Telegraph.—Press Association, ilnvercargill, Last Night. At a meeting of the Shipwreck.Relief Societv at Dunedin on Tuesday, Mr. Belcher brought .up the question of the financial position of the men recently brought from Macquarie Island, and asked that some assistance be rendered them, as they were destitute. He understood that the men would receive no money until the oil secured was brought off the island and disposed of, the arrangement being that their remuneration should be a share of what was obtained from the sale of the oil. It was decided that the committee obtain information as to the condition of the eight men, with power to act to the amount of £25, it being at the same time distinctly understood that when the men assisted received their share of oil they shall refund the money received from the Society. In connection with this matter, Mr. Joseph Hatch called on the local newspapers and produced documentary evidence which showed that the position had been misrepresented before the Shipwreck Relief Society. Mr. Hatch stated that immediately on the men's arrival at the Bluff he paid the eight men ten pounds in all. The following day two of the men asked for £lO each, and £22 was paid to the others Under those circumstances; the men could not be said to be destitute. On Wednesday Mr. Hatch arranged for a full settlement with the eight men, and this was effected, Mr. Hatch producing receipts for the full amount owing. These receipts state the sums received are in full discharge of all monies owing in connection with" the Macquarie Island venture of 1909-10.