ROYAL CONTRIBUTION

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 33, 9 February 1931, Page 10

ROYAL CONTRIBUTION

GIFTS FROM SANDRINGHAM

INQUIRIES IN LONDON

LONDON, 7th February.

Sir Thomas Wilford has been notified from Sandringham that the King is sending £500 and the Queen £250 for New Zealand sufferers iv the earthquake disaster. "Tho Times," in a leader referring to Sir Thomas Wilford's letter and the present economic depression, states: "It will make reconstruction more burdensome, severely testing the sturdy selfreliance upon which New Zealandors pride themselves. Admiration of their fino spirit and sympathy with this misfortune will encourage many more to follow the example of those who have already contributed." ANXIOUS INQUIRIES. There were dramatic scenes at the New Zealand offices when hundreds first learned whether relatives were safo or dead, bringing realisation of how close to Britain was this distant tragedy. A little old Cockney woman came to the large room where tho casualty list was published, asking the fate of her ex-soldier son. A Londou business man learned of his brother's safety, and a young wife heard of her husband's death. A Now Zoalander anxiously scanned the list to discover the safety of his wii'e and family. Another was anxious to learn of the damage done to a bank. Many fears were dispersed, and many flickering hopes raised. Many doubts wore turned to grief, notably for four 3'oung Air Force men who are among tho eighty New Zealand-born airmen serving in Britain. They learned the tragic news of families and homes wiped out. Numerous telephone inquiries were received from Scotland and the Irish Free State regarding victims whoso relatives are throughout Britain.