NO TIME LOST

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

NO TIME LOST

PALMERSTOS'S ORGANISATION

Palmerston North city lost no time in. organismg /relief measures when news of the earthquake was received. A hurried meeting of citizens was called by Messrs. J. Linklater and "J. A. Nash, M.P. 's' ; and within a short time 150 motor-cars were ready t otransport refugees from Napier and Hastings. Citizens got to work and prepared tho buildings in the showgrounds for the reception of the refugees, and also fitted, v paccommodation at the Awapuni raciu'ourse. About 3500 refugees were taken to Palmcrston North. The show grounds accommodated 3000, the racecourse several hundreds, and others were billeted. '"The organisation in Palmerston North was wonderful," said a visitor in conversation with a "Post" reporter to-day. "Everybody worked hard, and though it is impossible to, single any person out for special credit, mention should be made of the work done by Mr. M'Kenzie, secretary of the Automobile Association." The housing of the refugees entailed much detailed wpvk, but bands of willing helpers were >ou duty at all hours, and no onn.was heard to complain. The Lohgburn Freezing Works are sending mutton to the show grounds and the racecourse. At the show grounds, Seventh Day Adventists had just finished holding a camp, and many of their beds were made available for the .refugees.