BIG RELIEF SCHEME

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 30, 5 February 1931, Page 15

BIG RELIEF SCHEME

PLANS AT AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph.—Press Association!) , . AUCKLAND, This:' Day. A tremenddua national effort is heeded to provide immediate relief for the sufferers,/ and succour for the re-, fugo'es, and funds for the rehabilitation of the shattered earthquake area. It will involve the organisation of the whole method of relief on a scale not previously necessitated in. the Dominion. Realising this, a number of Auckland business men met this morning to discuss now the : plans for the relief throughout New Zealand could best be co-ordinated.'

It was suggested fßat the chambers of commorco bo asked to organise the various branchos of all trades and professions within their spheres of, influence as. focal points for raising the great fund required. Com-, bmed Rub-committees . formed by the various trade associations ' will work in conjunction with the local authorities and on a -widespread scale will cover the whole dominion in an appeal for the whoje-hearted assistance of organised bodies. With such a scheme in operation, any strain caused by tho evacuation ,of the population could be taken up«. Thus the temporary billeting of refugees, the replenishment of their wardrobes, and the care and maintenance of the supplies until wider measures for restoration to their homes are in operation, could all be provided for with the certainty that there would be no breakdown in the rescue and relief work and that none would be left unprovided for. The matter has already been referred to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, and several of the trade associations have already begun the work of organisation along these lines. Response from all other trade organisations will ensure a fund of sufficient' magnitude not only to relieve distress but also to 'ensure tho future of the people of the disaster-ridden province.

The ni.B. .Taranaki left Napier at 6.30 p.m. yesterday for Auckland, and 'should be at Auckland,at 7.30 p.m. to-day. She has on board 22 refugees and 41 doctors, nurses, and staff members.