Post by NZBC on Jan 27, 2013 12:41:09 GMT 12
met on Wednesday afternoon, the members present being Messrs R. M. Clark (chairman), Tapper, Wilson, Talboys, Burnett, Thorton, and the Hon. H. Gourley. The Secretary reported two deaths in the institution Owen, aged 75, and Anne Calvert, Aged 83). A present of illustrated papers was acknowledged from Dr Stanley Batchelor. The monthly report submitted showed that 316 cases had been relieved during May last— l 34 men, 216 women, and 533 children,— .at a cost of £100 Os 6d per .•week. In May, 1904, the cases relieved were 327—124 men, 211 women, and 565 children,— at a cost of £110 7s 6d. Accounts amounting to £440 17s 7d were passed for payment. -The Chairman reported on the result of the recent deputation from the trustees to the Premier' re appropriation of the poll-tax levied on Chinese for the purpose of sending indigent Chinamen back to China. The Chairman said that Mr Seddon explained that the tax was not levied for revenue purposes, but as a deterrent to Chinese immigration. The only promise obtained was that the matter would bo considered by the Cabinet. Mr Tapper said he could not understand how a smart business man, as the Premier was supposed to be, did not recognise the fairness of the request made by the trustees, for the question was fairly put before him. It was said that 3s per week was enough to keep a Chinaman in the country, but it cost 6s to maintain him in the institution. If the Chinese were shipped back the passage money would be saved to the State in a year. Twenty-eight applications for relief were dealt with. Otago Witness , Issue 2674, 14 June 1905, Page 32