To the Editor of the Hampshire Chronicle...

SIR,-The appalling catastrophe of the loss of "The Titanic" with such a huge loss of life has stirred the hearts of the people of our own and of all nations.

It cannot yet be estimated how many families are bereft of "the Bread-winner," or have suffered loss by this calamity, but the need for relief is urgent, and will be very great indeed.

Our hearts go out to the bereaved families, some of whom it is feared are in our own city, and such a large number in our neighbouring borough of Southampton, where the blow has fallen heaviest.

I feel I should be failing in my duty as Mayor of Winchester if I did not open a local fund, to enable thsoe amongst us who are desirous of assiting in the relief of the sufferers, to give locally.

I write therefore to say that I have opened a Winchester Fund, to be added to that being raised by the Mayor of Southampton, at the same time securing that provision should be made, if required, for any local cases.

I shall be glad to receive subscriptions, or same may be paid to either the Hants Chronicle or the Hants Observer, or at any of the local Banks, who have kindly offered to receive same.

Cheques should be made payable to "The Winchester Titanic Relief Fund," and acknowledgment of all the susbscriptions will be made in the local papers.

Thanking you for your kindly assistance in this mater, I remain, Sir, Yours faithfully, F. W. HOLDAWAY, Mayor. The Abbey House, Winchester, April 19, 1912