THE NAVY AGAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1931, Page 15

THE NAVY AGAIN

SQUADRON'S CONTRIBUTION

Not content with giving every bit of their energy to relieving distress in Napier and Hastings, the officers and men of the New Zealand naval squadron are subscribing to a special reliof fund, which they intend handing to the Prime Minister. In an appeal to the squadron, Commodore Geoffrey Blake said: —"The earthquake has wrecked Napier, Hastings, and the surrounding country. Those who have seen the conditions realise that, apart from their personal loss, the majority of the population are ruined, and a large number have had their homes destroyed. Under these circumstances, I appeal to the officers and men. of the New Zealand squadron to spare what they can to help these hard-stricken people who have shown great fortitude and courage. Napier has always shown to the Navy many kindnesses and much hospitality which we can do well to remember at the present time and endeavour in some small way to show our sympathy with our friends in this desperate affliction through which they are passing. It is proposed to send any contributions to the Prime Minister's Belief Fund." Subscriptions totalling £530 have been made by the squadron, representing approximately 10s a man, or more than a day's pay for many of them (reports the "New Zealand Herald"). The squadron has been particularly generous, considering that the men of the warships, especially those of the Veronica, gave away many of their personal effects, such as overcoats, to refugees in the first days of the disaster.