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The Premier. Whangarei, 2nd May, 1900. Your memo, opens large question, as such assistance is always given by public subscription. Would suggest following course taken by Australian Colonies. R. Thompson.

Hon. Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. To assist the Empire, Canada and New Zealand have joined hands in Africa. If Canada requires assistance I approve of extension of practical sympathy, and feel sure Canada will reciprocate if occasion requires. T. M. Wilford.

Hon. Premier. Wanganui, 2nd May, 1900. I consider a dreadful calamity like the Ottawa fire demands the practical sympathy of every rightthinking person, but as the recent heavy private subscriptions for war contingents and Indian famine have fallen heavily on certain sections of the population, the Government should now contribute to the Ottawa Fund, as then every section of the community has to contribute; but, as the poor have by this means to assist out of proportion to the wealthy, and might establish a precedent, the assistance should not be excessive by the Government, but the fund should also be augmented by those who are able and willing to contribute by private subscription. A. D. Willis.

The Right Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 7th May, 1900. Agree to what Government resolve to do in regard to Canadian question, provided grant not in excess of two thousand pounds, as colony may yet require its money for colonial necessities. Ido not approve of any more public subscriptions being started. Witheford.

Replies from Membees of the Legislative Council. Hon. the Premier. Peel Forest, sth May, 1900. Heaetily approve Government sending contributions Canada. Baeton Aceand.

The Premier. Picton, 2nd May, 1900. We should decidedly extend practical sympathy to the sufferers at Ottawa without delay. Have deposited £1 for the fund at Post-office, Picton. W. D. H. Baillie.

The Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon. Richmond, 3rd May, 1900. Replying to your Auckland memo., I think that the Government would do well, on behalf of the people of this colony, to show its sympathy with Canada by assisting to mitigate the terrible sufferings occasioned by the conflagration at Ottawa. J. W. Barnicoat, M.L.C., Nelson.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Dunedin. In my opinion the misfortune which has befallen the people of Ottawa is so appalling in its magnitude and so crushingly disastrous in its effect as to render it a matter of national concern, and would warrant assistance from the revenues of the colony. lam further of opinion that in giving this assistance no account should be taken of what may or may not be done by voluntary effort among our people. W. M. Bolt.

Bt. Hon. B. J. Seddon. Molesworth Street, 2nd May,'l9oo. Heaetily concur with your proposal re assistance to Canada. J. A. Bonae, Wellington.

Hon. B. J. Seddon. Christchurch, 2nd May, 1900. Yes, I think the case sufficiently grave, considering the sacrifices recently made by Canada for the war, to justify prompt relief from New Zealand. Chaeles C. Bowen.

Rt. Hon. Premier. Invercargill, 2nd May, 1900. Should be strongly in favour of Government acting in way you suggest, especially as those who interest themselves in obtaining subscriptions for charitable and patriotic objects so recently appealed to private generosity for Patriotic and More Men Funds, and now have hands full with Indian famine list. If you send a contribution from colonial chest every taxpayer can feel that he individually has contributed his quota towards alleviating Ottawa distress. Henry Feldwick.

The Bight Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 6th May, 1900. Reply to urgent memo. Away from town when your first memo, arrived. Returned this evening (Saturday). I agree with the former, also with proposal to help the famine-stricken of India in the way several members suggest—viz., that the aid should be given from the consolidated revenue. F. H. Feasee.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. My experience tells me that in all these matters it is those who give who have to respond to philanthropic calls, while large section of public who have large means escape scot-free. In times of national danger and national calamities this is not just. New Zealand, acting in concert Australian