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Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1929, Page 4

The interest evinced ’ll the fortunes of the West Coast as a result of the earthquakes is a very genuine feeling of sympathy. On all sides enquiries are being made as to results and the means of doing the best to repair the devastation. The response in proferred financial aid lias been particularly generous, and indicates the practical sympathy on those on goodness bent. The North Island has responded in a manner which indicates that any in-ter-island jealousies or differences are after all only skin deep, and that in reality there is the most generous concern and interest in the fortunes of boch ls.ands. The liberality of the response in regard to private giving suggests that with the Government aid there should be the means provided of assisting the devastated areas to rehabilitate in a comparatively short time. The greatest damage has been done in the north where homes have been destroyed, land lost and stock destroyed. For such, something must he done in the lyay of making a fresh start in life possible without any such handicap. These cases are the most serious and pressing in the matter for generous help. Minor damages or losses do not count against the class of case specially referred to, and the Government should organise the relief measures in such. a way that those very pressing cases will be taken up in earnest and have the first consideralon. A great liability will have to be met by the Government in dealing with the damage to public property, such as roads and bridges and public buildings. In this connection there will be opportunities to assist the settlers in the stricken areas with profitable employment, while in addition on some or the larger public works, room will be found for many unemployed in necessary work. The unsettled condition regarding the ’quakes after three weeks of disturbance appears now to 1 be settling, down, and it will be well to organise the urgent work without delay It is no use repining. The occasion calls for an active spirit to repair the ravages, and in that task restore confidence, and secure both' the goodwill and hearty cooperation of all who were so seriously affected by thfo visitation.