MONEY USELESS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 31, 6 February 1931, Page 10

MONEY USELESS

NOTHING TO BUY \

FIEES ALL OUT

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) NAPIEE, This Day. The telegraph line is blocked to Wellington by incoming messages, 'which cannot be delivered. Hundreds of people are thronging the school, where an office has been establihsed, asking for telegrams. Very few people are living in houses, and many are camped in all available open spaces, including the cemetery, whero tombstones are being used as beds. This prevents the delivery of messages, and inquirers frOm outside cannot expect early replies to their telegrams. Tho fires are all completely out. Money here is useless, because there is nothing to buy. Meat arid bread aro being distributed, and no om; will starve. Water is still a difficulty in some quarters, as the main receiving tank had to be emptied this morning to prevent a disaster, for it threatened to burst. People wore taking the water

from the gutters for all kinds"'" of uses. Under tho direction of Minister of the Crown, citizens and naval and military officials are organising as quickly as possible, but progress is slow. The problem is so enormous that it is difficult to sec tho advancement being made, but slowly and surely order will bo established. Armed guards were picketed in all parts of the town last nighty and there is no chance now of any serious, looting, which was noticeable in a small way yesterday. The fact that a rumour has been spread of the declaration of martial law has had a wholesome effect, but so far lfo such step has been found necessary. Unwashed men and women —pitiful wrecks—are standing at most places where the wrecking parties are at work. As a general statement it can be said that the average resident is beyond helping, yet. They are stupified and helpless. Strangers can be picked out by their shaven faces and clean clothes. Supplies of stores are arriving from Wellington, and distribution is perhaps on the liberal side, but this will soon right itself. EFFECT ON HARBOUR. The bottom of the inner harbour has undoubtedly been raised, and even the smallest lighters cannot enter. The Veronica is imprisoned at the wharf. Shipping is being advised that all harbour lights are out of action. The Dunedin and Diomede are anchored several miles out from the usual anchorage, and other boats are still further out to sea. The breakwater is reported to be raised two feet, but confirmation has not, been made. A reef of rocks has appeared in tho sea just north of Coote road; they have never been seen before. The breakers are several yards further away from the sea-wall than formerly. The only building left in the commercial area is being used as a printing office of tho combined local papers, which issue a morning and an evening sheet of instructions and a list of dead and injured. BURYING THE DEAD. /The burial of the dead is taking place this afternoon. The stench in places is awful, and this alone should be sufficient to discourage sightseers from adding to the town's problems. Almost every third person is wearing a bandago of some sort. Owing to.the collapse of the gaol, all prisoners were released to look after themselves, and one of them arrived on Marine parade, so it is reported, just in time to rescue Mr. Gerard Husheer, manager of the National Tobacco Company, from a fatal accident. Mr. Husheer immediately released all his tobacco for the use of those requiring it. It is possible that Mr. Husheer was included in an earlier message of the casualties. As a matter of fact, he is quite well.