THE EARTHQUAKE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1929, Page 5

THE EARTHQUAKE

FURTHER, SHOCKS. . There was a quiet day yesterday in regard to shocks, after the smart one at 10.10 a.m. This morning at 2.20 o'clock, however, there was a fairly • prolonged shock of a level intensity that awakened householders and caused 'some further alarm, hut no damage. ;• P. AND T. SERVICES. BIG HANDICAPS TO OVERCOME. (By Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, June 20. The Post and Telegraph Department is faced with a difficult task in restoring and keeping up communication in the. shaken area. The main shake damaged many Post Office, buildings, while the lines were brought down in many places. At Westport the Department has been relying on a radio from the" steamers in port, and sent over two operators by plane from Christ - church on Tuesday. There is intermittent communication by an insulated land wire. The plane with the operators took a mail to Westport, and came out with one hut it has not been able to keep up an air service owing to the weather, A nartv of ten telegraph officer* left Wellington on Tuesday by the Kartigi to repla'ce the Westport telephone exchange, which will be transferred to the Public Works Department building; The- Post Offices at Nelson, Greymouth, Hokitika, Motueka, Reefton, Blackball, Runanga and Hanmer Springs have all sufFered damage. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE OFFER. DUNEDIN, June 20. The Chief Commissioner for New Zealand of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, has offered the services of that organisation in any capacity in connection with the ’quake. disaster.

' ‘splendid CO-OPERATION. NELSON TELEGRAPH OFFICE. , NELSON, June 20. The Arnhura which left Westport last evening as a precautionary measure .js. expected to enter at 5.30 tonight. It is understood her services as ‘a refugee ship will not be required and the vessel will probably pickup ordinary passengers only. Rush conditions continue at Nelson telegraph office, all the staff co-oper-ating splendidly in rendering great service to those in afflicted and adjoining districts and their friends abroad, longer hours being worked, far exceeding the Christmas rush, and under very trying conditions. DONATIONS OF £9OO. 13Y NATIONAL TOBACCO COY. NAPIER, Juno 21. A handsome donation of £3OO to be handed each, to the towns of Nelson, Westport and Grevmouth, was made by the National Tobacco Company for the relief of the stricken areas. The money is made payable immediately to the Mayors of the three towns. 1

IN MURCHISON DISTRICT. TOUR BY MINISTER AND MEMBER CITIZENS COMMITTEE FORMED. APPRECIATION OF ASSISTANCE. NELSON, June 21. Hon. 11. Atmore and Mr G. C. Black, member for the district, and a party are to-day touring Murchison district, including Matakitaki Valley, Buller bridge and other parts where damage has occurred. • The onrty will return to Nelson later in the day. Officers of the Geological Survey. Messrs Ferrar and Grange, are returning to Nelson to-day and proceed to Takaka to-morrow.

The Minister sends a reassuring message to Murchison relugees in Nelson, stating that while there were plenty of shakes last night, that of 2.15 being the heaviest, last night was much quieter than the previous night. Mr Atmore despatched a telegram to the Minister off Defence that a committee formed at Murchison last night passed a resolution thanking the Minister of Defence for his propmt attention to a request for camp material. A special message for getting into touch with Karamea by aeroplane was also sent out by the Minister. News of reports from Tvaramea rtiad have been received at Murchison.

The Minister addressed a meeting at Murchison last evening, attended In fifty men and five women. Mr Atmore assured the residents of the Go\eminent’s earnestness to meet the requirements off .the position. The experiences of the past were that such earthquakes were very rare occurrences and they could look forward to the future with confidence. A Citizens Committee was set up on i\.r Atmore’s suggestion, comprising H. Fraser, B. E. Spiers, W. Huehings, H. Patterson, A. Thorn and T. James. Resolutions passed for the main highways to be repaired as speedily as possible, the Public Works Department to act with the Murchison County m restoring country roads ; '■'* That the Prime Minister be thanked for his message and offer of relief; That the Minister of Defence bo thanked ffor his prompt action in forwarding tents; The Mayors of Wellington and Christchurch on behalf of the citizens, for donation for the refugees in Nelson.

Thanks also to the Salvation Army at Nelson, Newman Bros, and staff for the splendid way they kept the service cars running, and Spiers and drivers for maintaining lorry communication. Splendid assistance was also given by tlie people- of Nelson and the Railway Department in every way. 'Mr Atmore said liis party were very pleased indeed to be present and were simply carrying out tlie wishes of everyone in the district in sending all the 'assistance possible.,

LABOUR. PARTY SYMPATHY. MR HOLLAND’S MESSAGE. ' WELLINGTON, June 21. Tin* following wire was forwarded yesterday to the Mayor of Nelson on behalf of the Labour Party-—Please convey the sincere sympathy of the ? >i'>or Party to the sufferers from the earthquake and in particular to the relatives of those who lost their lives. Wm cordially support the Government in all necessary measures for assistance to those who have suffered. Mr Holland, M.P., in a delayed wire to hand from Westport this morning, says the shocks are still coming in rapid succession; that the town water , supply has failed and practically all chimneys are down. The people are without fires or water. He has wired the Premier setting out the conditions existing, and says the reports in newspapers to hand do not convey an adequate idea of the appalling nature of the wreckage in Westport. # EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND. HANDSOME DONATIONS. CHRISTCHURCH, June 21. The “Star” announces the New Zealand Newspapers Ltd. have opened a subscription list for the relief of earthquake sufferers, with a donation of £3OO. AUCKLAND, June 21. Among additional donations for the earthquake relief fund are Nov Zealand Newspapers £3OO, Auckland Trotting Club £IOO.

“ EVENING POST” SUBSCRIPTION WELLINGTON, June 21. The “Evening Post” has opened a ’quake relief fund with £250. ARAHURA ARRIVES. NELSON, Juno 21. The Arahura arrived at mid-day from Westport with sixty ordinary passengers. It seems as a relief ship she was not required.