GREAT EXODUS

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

GREAT EXODUS

ROAD FULL OF CAKS

A 'mesagc received 'to-day IVoiri* tji« If on. W. B. Tavcincr (Minister!, ot Public Woilis), who is in the earthquake area, states that after 'dispiatcli hf aeroplane of Mr. -L. B^ Campbell, inspecting engineer, Public Work's Department, and later by motor-car,' of Mr. F. W. Furkert, Bngineer-in'-Chiefc, Public Works Department, the Minister left,- Wellington shortly before - lunch yesterday, and arrived in Napier at S p.m. - - - At Pahnerston North the ' -Minister, confcired with Messrs. 'Nastf and Linklater, M.Ps., and the Town "Clerk, "arid was informed that very «oniplela arrangements haji been made for the reception of rofngees ,to the number of 5000. Mr. Nash stated that 20» cars had been dispatched yesterday morning to assist in the evacuation of Napier. The Minister reports that.tha road from Palmerstou to Napier, presented an extraordinary scone,- % one continuous stream of motor vehicles carrying tho people from the stricken; area. Many of those passed on; the way bore acute evidence of. suffering and sorrow as the result of bereavement, but a brave spirit was displayed by all. Asked as to his impressions on arrival ia Napier, the Minister said that tho destruction was so complete an,d the devastation so overwhelming that it was difficult to describe the situation. It was ascertained that tlje Public Works engineer, in conjunction, with tho Naval Forces, would have af daybreak to-day proceeded with tho painful duty of further demolition of buildings which had been partly de--> stroyed by tho shake, and which,* ia' many cases, presented a menace to those engaged in the work of relief. Gratitudo was expressed on every hand that the men of tho New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, who perform* ed wonders during the first 48 hours, had arrived on "the scene. , "" The organisation ia relief -already, provided was a credit to those responsible for, and engaged in such work. The scene in Nolson Pavk.waji a tribute to tho remarkable efficiency; of tho Naval Forces, and those associated with them, who during the da,y; had established a camp for tho'accommodation of tho homeless, and at midnight last night, when this messago was sent out, it was difficult to imagine from tho peaceful conditions of th« big camp that its necessity had arisen.' as the result of such a calamitous occurrence. Tdgethor with his colleagues the Minister has quarters at Nelson Park, and at dayjight to-day was to have started on a round of inspection . of the damage with the officials of his Department. Ono of the first matters to bo remedied was tho question of water supply, us, at tho moment, tho town is without any provision other than that from wells and tanks. On arrival at Napier, tho Minister conferred with Commissioner Wohlmann. and Inspector Cummings, who said'that {Tic arrangements made and the general conducf of the people left nothing to be desired.' The Commissioner;, said that notwithstanding the tremendous' upheaval and loss sustained the people of Napier and Hastings had exemplified the true Biitibh spirit, and voluntary nssistanco had materialised in a most gratifying manner. ' •' Tho Ministers of the Crown now in Napier, in addition to tho Minister of Public Works, include Mr. Ransom, Mr. Stalhvorthy, Mr. Cobbc, Mr. Masters, and Mrs. Atmore. Up to a late hour last night telegraphic messages ■were radioed from the Police, Station per medium of the Naval vessel. The Minister was struck* with tho efficiency of the emergency organisations both at. Hastings and Napier, and at All tho danger spots along tho road, and very great credit indeed reflocted on those who at a, moment's notice kfept their heads and initiated measure for general welfare. ' The N«w Zealand Dental Association has offered tho services of mX* men , and a complete rnoveable BUtgery W the Health Department.